Overview

• The review directs a shift to war-fighting readiness as the armed forces’ central purpose and adopts a NATO-first stance focused on deterring Russian aggression.
• Defence spending will rise to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 with an unstipulated ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
• A £15 billion programme will modernise the UK’s nuclear warheads and fund up to 12 AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarines to replace ageing vessels from the late 2030s.
• Procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range missiles, six new munitions factories and a dedicated Cyber and Electromagnetic Command aim to bolster munitions stockpiles and digital warfare capabilities.
• Officials project the overhaul will support around 30,000 highly skilled jobs, though analysts warn the 3% GDP target may necessitate tax rises or spending cuts elsewhere.