‘Strategic defence review will give UK key NATO role’

The UK government is set to unveil its strategic defence review.

Dr Alexander Gilder, Associate Professor of International Law and Security at the University of Reading, explains the significance of the review. For interviews, contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk.

Dr Alexander Gilder said: “The Strategic Defence Review's expected recommendation that the UK ready its armed forces for warfighting will allow the UK to play a key leadership role in NATO.

"It is plausible that, were there to be peace in Ukraine in the short term, Russia could be capable of mounting small incursions into other neighbouring states. For instance, Narva in eastern Estonia has been much discussed in recent years. This would trigger Article 5 and require NATO to be prepared to defend its member state.

"The Government's investment in AI and drones is a direct result of these technologies being used prolifically in the Ukraine war. The Russian Air Force has played a small role. Similarly, in any future conflict, the UK would not want to risk much more expensive fighter jets and their pilots unless necessary.

"The UK and its allies are seeking to show Russia that they are capable of rapid military action in the event a NATO member is invaded. Increased naval power is an important part of this. Long-range weapons are expected to feature heavily in any modern conflict between global powers as they seek to destroy each other's logistics.”