Cyber-attacks, munitions shortages, and strategic deterrence define Britain’s defence overhaul
In a bold move aimed at countering what is being described as a “new era of threat,” the UK government has announced a sweeping defence review, positioning itself more assertively on the global stage amidst heightened Russian and Chinese aggression. The review, unveiled by Defence Secretary John Healey, not only earmarks £6 billion for munitions but lays the foundation for a more resilient and technologically agile armed force.
At the heart of the strategy is a £1.5 billion investment in six new weapons factories—a critical boost to Britain’s defence manufacturing base, which has long faced criticism for being underprepared for sustained conflict. The facilities will support the production of long-range missiles, advanced drones, and critical munitions, offering what the Ministry of Defence terms an “always-on” production capability that can be rapidly scaled in crisis scenarios.
“This sends a clear message to Moscow,” Healey said during a visit to a missile assembly site in Stevenage. “We are not only strengthening our Armed Forces but also reinvigorating our industrial backbone. If required, the UK must be ready to fight and win.”
A War Economy on the Horizon?
The war in Ukraine has exposed deep flaws in the West’s readiness for prolonged warfare, with weapons stockpiles across NATO running dangerously low. In 2021, a simulated wargame revealed that British military reserves could be depleted within eight days of active combat. Senior commanders like General Sir Patrick Sanders have since warned that the UK’s dwindling missile and artillery inventories pose a national security risk.
Today’s announcement attempts to close that gap. Up to 7,000 long-range weapons are to be procured, according to the MoD, including British-built missiles with extended strike range. Defence analysts say this move is long overdue, noting that Russia’s hybrid warfare approach—including cyber-attacks and misinformation—has evolved significantly, requiring a parallel evolution in the UK’s military doctrine.
Cyber Warfare: The Invisible Frontline
Perhaps most telling is the review’s explicit focus on cyber and electronic warfare. According to Healey, UK military networks have been targeted over 90,000 times in the past two years, with daily attempts by Russian state and non-state actors to breach, disrupt, or exploit defence communications.
In response, the UK will establish a Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, tasked with both defensive and offensive operations. Working alongside the existing National Cyber Force, this new unit will have the authority to jam enemy signals, intercept battlefield communications, and neutralise drone and missile guidance systems.
“This is not just about hard power anymore,” said cybersecurity analyst Dr. Aisha Rahman. “Modern warfare is increasingly about who can control the information domain. The UK has rightly recognised that future wars may begin—and be won—digitally.”
Defence Spending Rises with New Targets
The government has committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, up from the current 2.3%, with an ambition to reach 3% by 2034. However, political debate continues. Conservative MPs have argued for a faster ramp-up, with some branding the 3% target date as “far too late.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey echoed this sentiment, calling Labour’s plan a “complete lack of urgency.” Meanwhile, others see the gradual increase as a pragmatic balance between military readiness and economic stability, especially in the aftermath of COVID and ongoing inflationary pressures.
Nuclear Policy Under Review
In a development that could alter the UK’s nuclear posture, the government is reportedly in talks with the United States about acquiring American-made combat aircraft capable of deploying “tactical” nuclear weapons—lower-yield alternatives designed for battlefield use. Currently, the UK relies solely on a submarine-based deterrent under its Trident programme.
While Healey declined to confirm these discussions, he stressed that retaining a nuclear capability is Britain’s ultimate security guarantee. Former civil service chief Sir Simon Case supported diversification, arguing that the UK’s reliance on a single launch system makes it “unusual” and potentially vulnerable compared to other nuclear states.
What’s Next for the British Army?
Despite these bold plans, concerns remain about personnel shortages. The size of the British Army has been shrinking for years. Healey conceded that numbers are unlikely to increase until after the next general election, but reiterated his goal to restore full-time troop strength to 73,000 soldiers in the next Parliament.
The defence review, while ambitious, reflects a strategic recalibration of Britain’s role in an increasingly volatile world. Whether this is enough to deter adversaries—or merely the first step in a longer transformation—remains to be seen. But one message rings loud and clear: the age of peace dividends is over; the age of readiness has begun.
