The UK Government is seeking public input on the newly launched Strategic Defence Review, seeking views on how the nation’s armed forces should adapt to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century.
This initiative is part of a broader effort, with the Government saying it aims to ensure that UK Defence remains central to the country’s security, economic growth, and prosperity.
“The UK faces threats that are growing and diversifying: war in Europe; conflict in the Middle East; states across the world that are increasingly acting in ways that challenge regional and global stability as well as our values and interests; terrorist groups; hybrid attacks; and instability caused by climate change.
Therefore, on 16 July 2024, the Prime Minister launched a Strategic Defence Review (SDR) to ensure the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad – now and for the years to come.
It is to be Britain’s review – not just the Government’s – so will consult serving military, veterans, MPs of all parties, industry, and academia.
The SDR will be headed by three external Reviewers in a first-of-its-kind for UK defence:
- Lord Robertson – Former Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General (Review lead)
- Dr Fiona Hill CMG – Foreign policy expert and former US presidential advisor
- General Sir Richard Barrons – Former Commander Joint Forces Command and former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff
This call for views, they say, sets out specific propositions to be answered that will help a team of reviewers.
“You are invited to provide responses to each of the propositions in the portal link no later than 30 September 2024. You will be allowed to submit up to 500 words per proposition. This should be submitted through this portal only. Please note you cannot submit a response more than once.”
Here’s a summary of the main questions posed to the public:
- Strategic Context: Respondents are asked to describe the strategic and operational context for UK Defence from 2024 to 2050.
- Defence Roles: The Government is looking for prioritised suggestions on the roles that UK Defence should fulfil during the period from 2024 to 2040.
- Defence Capabilities: Feedback is sought on the necessary defence capabilities required to perform these roles, distinguishing between those needed for ongoing commitments and those for crisis mobilisation.
- Current Capability Assessment: Participants should evaluate how existing defence capabilities align with the identified roles and highlight any critical gaps.
- Urgent Attention Areas: The public is invited to identify areas that require immediate focus to address strategic risks or vulnerabilities, particularly in logistics and medical support.
- NATO Contribution: Suggestions on how the UK Defence can enhance its contributions to NATO, including defence export potential, are requested.
- Support for Ukraine: Respondents are asked to describe how current support for Ukraine integrates with UK Defence activities and propose measures to sustain this support through at least 2027.
- Integrated Force Concept: The review seeks insights on advancing UK Defence from a multi-domain to an integrated force concept, including key characteristics and non-kinetic resources.
- Homebase Security: Proposals are needed on securing the UK Defence homebase during crises and ensuring mobilisation capabilities.
- Digital Transformation: Feedback is sought on how UK Defence can lead in adopting Digital Age technologies across all domains.
- Industry Relationships: Respondents should propose ways for UK Defence to build sustainable relationships with technology providers and industry.
- Modernisation of Acquisition: The Government is looking for recommendations on modernising defence acquisition to keep pace with technology and enhance interoperability.
- Workforce Balance: Suggestions are sought on achieving an optimal mix of personnel across all tasks and mobilisations, including recruitment and retention measures.
- Digital Enablement: The public is asked to propose digital strategies that would enable an Integrated Force across all domains.
- Education and Training: Insights into how education and training can support the needs of an Integrated Force are requested, including technology application.
- Maritime, Land, and Air Development: Respondents should recommend measures for the modernisation of the maritime, land, and air domains as part of an Integrated Force.
- Special Forces Development: Suggestions on how UK Special Forces can be developed in support of national security are requested.
- Defence Medical Services: The Government is looking for input on how medical services can meet operational demands effectively.
- Defence Estate Utilisation: Recommendations for improving the utilisation and condition of Defence Estates, including living accommodations, are sought.
- Financial Management: The public is invited to propose improvements in financial management and administration across Defence.
- International Relationships: Suggestions on building strategic relationships with allies and partners are requested.
- Cultural Review: Finally, the review invites each branch of the armed forces to assess their culture and training practices to ensure they align with modern warfare imperatives.
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