UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s SDR has recommended possible improvements to Type 45 frigates. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
The UK Government’s SDR has been released with 62 recommendations from an independent committee, all of which have been accepted. An outline of how some of the recommendations will be implemented was included but further work has been planned to flesh out the details.
Key actions promised include a £15 billion (US$20.3 billion) investment in the sovereign warhead programme and the creation of a ‘New Hybrid Navy’ with new submarines and uncrewed vessels. Air force plans centre around existing aircraft and next-generation fast jets through the Global Combat Air Programme and uncrewed aircraft.
The government previously announced a £1 billion investment towards homeland
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft]()
NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft
Announcements on aircraft deals and agreements for trans-alliance cooperation to boost the production and purchase of weapons and equipment were key takeaways from this week’s NATO summit.
-
![Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine]()
Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine
A panel session at Eurosatory 2026 brought together industry, academia and the French armed forces to assess how Ukraine’s battlefield reality is reshaping counter-UAS (CUAS) technology, air defence doctrine and Western procurement priorities.
-
![Nuclear costs crowd out key defence priorities in UK investment plan, say SDR authors]()
Nuclear costs crowd out key defence priorities in UK investment plan, say SDR authors
The UK government’s Defence Investment Plan has been criticised by the authors of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 which formed the basis of the plan. The SDR’s external reviewers told the country’s defence committee how the plan misses the mark.
-
![Australia’s new defence industry strategy targets development, procurement and exports]()
Australia’s new defence industry strategy targets development, procurement and exports
Australian is investing in weapons and missile manufacture and shipbuilding as part of a long-term plan that involves restructuring procurement and export systems under its 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy.
-
![Raytheon fast-tracks AIM-9X Sidewinder production targeting 2,500 missiles a year by 2027]()
Raytheon fast-tracks AIM-9X Sidewinder production targeting 2,500 missiles a year by 2027
RTX Raytheon is accelerating production of the AIM-9X Sidewinder, aiming to reach 2,500 missiles annually by late 2027 while strengthening its supply chain following two US Navy major contracts worth more than $2.2 billion.
