UK Enters ‘New Era of Threat’ as Defence Review Calls for Modernisation

The UK is entering a “new era of threat” driven by emerging technologies and global instability, according to a major strategic defence review set to be published Monday. The report, led by former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, highlights the growing influence of drones and artificial intelligence on modern warfare, with Russia named as the most immediate threat. China is described as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge,” while Iran and North Korea are labeled regional disruptors.

Despite the rising threats, the review stops short of recommending new spending increases. It reaffirms Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge to boost defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, to reach 3% later in the decade. However, the UK’s armed forces face significant hurdles, including a recruitment crisis, low personnel numbers, and unresolved issues around misconduct, including sexual harassment.

Operationally, Britain’s recent military involvement has been limited, with notable missions including the evacuations of Kabul in 2021 and Sudan in 2023. To prepare for future challenges, the review proposes embedding digital specialists within military units to counter enemy drones and manage the UK’s own autonomous weapons systems.

The Ministry of Defence plans to invest over £1 billion in advanced technologies aimed at accelerating battlefield decision-making. With NATO urging its members to spend more, the UK’s renewed focus on defence signals a strategic pivot toward modernization and readiness in an increasingly volatile world.