U.K. Unveils Largest Increase in Defense Spending Since the Cold War
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has published its U.K. Strategic Defence Review (SDR), a government-led report that reassesses national security threats, sets long-term strategies and focuses on U.K. defense policies while announcing the largest increase in defense spending since the Cold War.
The 140-plus page review, titled “Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad,” sets a “landmark shift” in the United Kingdom's deterrence and defense: moving to warfighting readiness to deter threats and strengthen security in the Euro-Atlantic.
In the introduction, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces the largest increase in defense spending since the Cold War. “We are delivering our commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP [gross domestic product] on defense, accelerating it to 2027, and we have set the ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament, subject to economic and fiscal conditions.”
The report states that the United Kingdom has already boosted defense by £5 billion this year.
The SDR also includes a plan for “NATO first,” taking on more responsibility for European security, especially as Russian aggression continues to grow in Europe. The review states there is “an unequivocal need for the U.K. to redouble its efforts within the Alliance and to step up its contribution to Euro-Atlantic security more broadly.”
In addition, the SDR reimagines the structure of the United Kingdom’s armed forces, boosting its Cadet Force by 30% by 2030 (with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term).
The SDR outlines 62 recommendations that promise to make the United Kingdom safer, both at home and abroad. It also sets a path for the next decade—boosting jobs and security for working people across the country.
The SDR’s vision for success includes:
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Move to warfighting readiness
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Engine for growth
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"NATO first"
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U.K. innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine
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Whole-of-society approach
To learn more, read the report here.
