News

June 4th 2025

The vision is that, by 2035, UK Defence will be a leading tech-enabled Defence power, with an integrated force that deters, fights and wins through constant innovation at wartime pace.

There are five key areas:

• Move to warfighting readiness — establishing a more lethal ‘integrated force’ equipped for the future, and strengthened homeland Defence.
• Engine for growth — driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry, radical procurement reforms and backing UK businesses.
• ‘NATO first’ — stepping up on European security by leading in NATO, with strengthened nuclear, new tech and updated conventional capabilities.
• UK innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine — harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer.
• Whole-of-society approach — widening participation in national resilience, and renewing the Nation’s contract with those who serve.

Stuart Williams OBE, Chief Executive of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “The Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations are integral partners to Defence and well positioned to support these plans.

“Whether through strengthening the Reserves, supporting Defence-industry partnerships, or engaging communities and employers, we will play a pivotal role in making this new vision a reality.”

The 2025 Strategic Defence Review is available to read on the Government website