The government plans to allocate billions of pounds to bring the UK to "combat-ready" status due to emerging threats from nuclear-armed nations such as Russia and China, according to the defense secretary.
The government has approved all 62 proposals outlined in the eagerly awaited Strategic Defence Review (SDR). This includes plans for constructing 12 new nuclear-powered submarines, establishing six additional munitions plants, and adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
John Healy informed MPs on Monday that Britain’s military must be “10 times deadlier” to confront the “new wave of threats.”
James Cartlidge, the conservative opposition spokesperson for defence, described the proposals as a "disappointing failure" that were both inadequately funded and extremely unimpressive.
The study conducted by ex-Labour Defense Secretary Lord Robertson revealed that the UK’s military forces are “not adequately prepared” to combat adversaries such as Russia or China. The report highlighted issues including insufficient weapon reserves, low enlistment rates, and declining troop morale.
The report cautioned that the UK is currently facing frequent assaults on its crucial national infrastructure, exposing economic weaknesses and "straining societal unity."
The report states that Russia poses an "immediate and urgent threat," as the invasion of Ukraine "unequivocally demonstrates its readiness to employ military power to attain its objectives."
At the same time, China poses a "highly advanced and enduring challenge," the assessment cautions, and is anticipated to keep pursuing benefits via espionage and cyberattacks. It also predicts that China could possess around 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.
The review suggests that to combat this, the Ministry of Defence should adopt new technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and laser systems.
During his Commons statement, Healey stated: "We currently confront dangers that are more severe and erratic compared to any period since the conclusion of the Cold War."
We are confronted with warfare in Europe, escalating Russian hostility, emerging nuclear threats, and constant cyber-attacks within our own borders.
Our opponents are increasingly collaborating together, whereas advancements in technology are altering the nature of warfare. We find ourselves in a new epoch of threats, necessitating a fresh approach to defense for the United Kingdom.
Other notifications in the review encompass:
- A novel "combined navy" featuring AUKUS submarines along with unmanned ships capable of patrolling the North Atlantic.
- £15 billion allocated for development of new nuclear warheads
- Committed to investing £1.5 billion to construct six new facilities for continuous ammunition manufacturing capability.
- Constructing up to 7,000 long-range armaments such as missiles or drones in the United Kingdom for use by British military forces
- Commit to establishing a "cyber and electromagnetic command" aimed at enhancing the armed forces' abilities for both defense and offense within cyberspace.
- Additional £1.5 billion until 2029 for maintenance of military accommodations
- £1 billion allocated for technology aimed at accelerating the dissemination of target data to soldiers
Healey stated that the modifications will assist in "forming a British Army that is 10 times deadlier."
He also indicated that the government intended to expand the size of the Army. from 74,400 to a minimum of 76,000 full-time troops following the subsequent election.
The UK's Army Cadet Force aims to increase its enrollment of volunteers from younger individuals by 30%, along with providing a "gap year" option for those who wish to experience military life.
The review was created assuming that defense expenditure would increase to 2.5% of national income or GDP by 2027 — an uptick from approximately 2.3% currently.
However, the "modest increase" in the Army funding mentioned in the review has not been financed yet.
A defense source has informed MySmartTech that the pledge to construct as many as 12 additional attack submarines would necessitate raising military expenditure to at least 3% of GDP.
Ministers anticipate spending 3% of GDP on defense by as late as 2034, yet they possess assurances. The period leading up to the publication of this review has largely been marked by political disputes concerning when exactly the government will achieve this target.
The Conservatives assert that this step—which would increase annual expenditure by roughly £20 billion—should be achieved by the end of the decade.
Cartlidge stated that "without the funding, [the review] becomes an empty wishlist," and the "ships and submarines mentioned form a fantastical navy."
The government aims to convey a strong message to Moscow, yet the signals being sent are notably feeble," Cartlidge pointed out.
"Despite all the excitement, the SDR turned out to be a letdown," he stated.
It's late, inadequately funded, and disappointingly mediocre. Our military deserves much more than this.
However, Sir Keir Starmer contended that the review would contribute to building a "ready-for-battle, heavily armoured" country.
Earlier on Monday, speaking from Scotland, the prime minister stated: "If we face direct threats from nations possessing sophisticated military capabilities, the best approach to discourage such adversaries is readiness, and quite honestly demonstrating our preparedness to uphold peace by means of strength."
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