It doesn’t add up to a step change in capabilities,but the review could play an important role in restoring the UKs reputation as a dependable security partnerThe strategic defence and security review has been published against the backdrop of the terrorist attacks on Paris, alongside the prospect of the UK joining airstrikes in Syria. But it is not a response to those attacks, and very few of the capabilities that are being promised will be available over the next year.
Rather,concern over the threat of terrorism has combined with increased concern over Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine to make the case for more long-term investment in defence and security. whether this review had been published immediately after the annexation of Crimea, the supporting narrative might gain been fairly different in tone. But its substance – the emphasis on high-quality adaptable forces, or able to work closely with allies – would probably gain been more or less the same.
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Source: theguardian.com