The Strategic Defence Review

The Government has released its eagerly-anticipated Strategic Defence Review to make Britain safer, secure at home and strong abroad.

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


Back to news

Our latest news

Inside RFCA: documentary series takes viewers behind the scenes of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s value-adding work

A new documentary offering viewers a greater insight into what makes East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) an integral partner to Defence is being released today.

Employer recognition: Regional winners of prestigious Gold Award revealed

Major East Midlands employers and businesses from strategically important sectors have been recognised for their strong commitments to Armed Forces personnel.

Reserves and resilience in the spotlight at the biggest Regional Engagement with Defence to date

A whole-of-society approach to national Defence and resilience is required to combat modern-day threats to our society.