UK to Reinforce War-Fighting Capabilities in New Defence Strategy

The UK government is set to prioritize restoring the nation’s war-fighting readiness as the core mission of its armed forces, according to Labour leader Keir Starmer. In a recent statement to The Sun, Starmer highlighted plans to expand domestic weapons manufacturing to meet growing security challenges.

The upcoming Strategic Defence Review, expected Monday, will evaluate threats confronting the UK amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and pressure from US President Donald Trump for NATO allies to enhance their defenses.

Starmer described the review as a "blueprint for strength and security for decades," emphasizing the need to adapt to evolving global risks. Defence Secretary John Healey pointed to escalating Russian hostility, including daily cyberattacks targeting the UK's defense infrastructure.

Healey told the BBC that the world faces intensifying threats from Russian aggression and nuclear risks to rising tensions worldwide. The review will propose establishing a permanent munitions production capability within the UK to allow rapid scale-up if necessary.

The Ministry of Defence also recommends fostering industrial conditions to increase ammunition reserves. In February, Starmer committed to raising defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a further increase to 3% expected around 2029, partly funded by cuts to overseas aid.

The government recently announced a £1.5 billion investment to build at least six new munitions factories and acquire 7,000 domestically produced long-range weapons, creating about 1,800 jobs.

This initiative aims to strengthen the UK’s industrial base to better deter adversaries and enhance security both domestically and internationally. Additionally, £1 billion will be allocated to establish a cyber command to support battlefield operations.

Starmer described the defence overhaul as integrating every available asset from drones to artillery to intelligence into a cohesive and formidable fighting force.

Led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, the review warns Britain is entering a "new era of threat" driven by advances in drones and artificial intelligence. It highlights immediate dangers from Russia and also focuses on China, Iran, and North Korea, which Robertson described as a "deadly quartet" increasingly collaborating.