Overview: UK SDSR & National Security Strategy
The Strategy presents a clear vision for a secure and prosperous United Kingdom, with global reach
and influence. It underlines that the world is more dangerous, complex and uncertain today than
five years ago. It highlights the growth of terrorism and extremism, including ISIL; the resurgence of
state-based threats, including Russia; greater instability in the Middle East; the growing cyber threat;
and challenges to the rules-based international order. It also underlines the UK’s intrinsic strengths,
including our resilient society, our strong Armed Forces and intelligence agencies, our world class
diplomatic network and our overseas development assistance. The SDSR presents a vision of the UK
at the heart of the rules-based international order, with strong and reliable alliances, partnerships
and relationships around the world. It underlines the UK’s position as the world’s leading soft power.
In the last two years, the UK has been the fastest growing major advanced economy in the
world.
Our renewed economic security has enabled us to make a clear decision to invest further in
our national security.
The Strategy sets out our priorities, including to: tackle terrorism and
extremism at home and overseas; deter state-based threats; help strengthen the rules-based
international order; remain a world leader in cyber security; reduce conflict and build stability
overseas; promote our prosperity; and ensure we have the capability to respond rapidly to crises as
they emerge. The SDSR sets out how the Government will work to address these, harnessing all the
tools of national power through a ‘full-spectrum approach’.
The Strategy makes clear that, where necessary, the Government will be ready to use force. It sets
out a vision for a
highly capable Joint Force 2025
consisting of:
two additional Typhoon aircraft squadrons and an additional squadron of F35 Lightning
combat aircraft to operate from our new aircraft carriers;
nine new Maritime Patrol Aircraft based in Scotland to protect our nuclear deterrent, hunt
down hostile submarines and enhance our maritime search and rescue;
two new Strike Brigades, forces of up to 5,000 personnel fully equipped to deploy rapidly
and sustain themselves in the field;
a highly capable expeditionary force of up to 50,000 by 2025;
doubling our investment in our Special Forces’ equipment;
maintaining our ultimate insurance policy as a nation – our Continuous At Sea Nuclear
Deterrent - and replacing our four ballistic missile submarines; and
increasing the size of the Royal Navy’s frigate fleet over the longer-term.
The Strategy sets out that we will
do more to ensure our intelligence agencies have the resources
and information they need to prevent and disrupt plots against the UK.
The Government will
increase funding for the security and intelligence agencies to enable £2.5billion of additional
investment in staff and capabilities. It will increase our network of counter-terrorism and counter-
extremism experts in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also
increase our investment in counter-terrorism police and will more than double our spending on
aviation security around the world.