UK to deepen defence ties with Europe amid rising threats from Russia and China

The UK’s latest defence review commits to major military upgrades and increased spending, while emphasizing stronger European partnerships to counter multiple global threats. This strategic pivot reflects urgent concerns over Russia’s aggression and China’s growing influence, aiming to restore Britain’s war-fighting readiness by 2034.

Sources:
BBCTheguardian
Updated 1h ago
Tab background
Sources: BBCTheguardian
The UK government is set to significantly enhance its defence posture in response to escalating threats from Russia and China, marking a strategic shift since the Cold War. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced plans to invest billions of pounds to achieve 'war-fighting readiness,' embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence and expanding military capabilities.

The government has accepted all 62 recommendations from a comprehensive defence review, which includes building 12 new nuclear-powered submarines and six new munitions factories. This move aims to reverse the "hollowing out" of Britain's armed forces and address "multiple, direct threats".

"The threats we face are now more serious and less predictable than at any time since the end of the Cold War," said Defence Secretary Wallace.

The review highlights Russia as an "immediate and pressing threat," citing its invasion of Ukraine as evidence of its willingness to use force. The UK plans to deepen institutional ties with European partners, extending beyond military cooperation to infrastructure and information technologies.

Financially, ministers expect defence spending to rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambitious target of 3% by 2034, although no guarantees have been made. This spending increase reflects a cautious but determined approach to strengthening national security.

"This should see Britain forge deeper institutional ties with European partners, not just military but in infrastructure and information technologies," the review states.

Overall, the UK is preparing for a new era of geopolitical challenges by modernizing its defence capabilities and reinforcing alliances within Europe.
Sources: BBCTheguardian
The UK government plans to deepen defence ties with Europe and invest billions to reach 'war-fighting readiness' amid rising threats from Russia and China. The defence review accepts 62 recommendations, including new nuclear submarines and AI technologies, aiming to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2034.
Section 1 background
The threats we face are now more serious and less predictable than at any time since the end of the Cold War.
Defence Secretary Healey
BBC
Key Facts
  • The UK government accepted all 62 recommendations from a defence review, including building 12 new nuclear-powered submarines and six new munitions factories.BBC
  • Defence Secretary Healey stated that threats from nuclear powers like Russia and China are now more serious and less predictable than since the Cold War.BBC
  • Russia is identified as an immediate and pressing threat due to its invasion of Ukraine, which 'makes unequivocally clear its willingness to use force to achieve its goals'.BBC
  • The UK plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% by 2034, although no guarantees were given for the latter target.BBCTheguardian
  • The defence review marks a shift by warning of multiple, direct threats for the first time since the Cold War and aims to reverse the hollowing out of Britain’s armed forces.Theguardian
  • The UK will deepen institutional ties with European partners beyond military cooperation, including in infrastructure and information technologies.Theguardian
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of defence review recommendations accepted by UK government
62
BBC
Number of new nuclear-powered submarines planned
12
BBC
Number of new munitions factories planned
6
BBC
UK defence spending target by 2027
2.5%
Theguardian
UK defence spending ambition by 2034
3%
Theguardian
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