A Wildcat helicopter from 661 Squadron Army Air Corps takes part in Exercise Swift Response. (UK MoD)

BELFAST — The new UK Labour government has formally launched a major review of its defense posture and policy which it says will take a “clear-eyed” approach to international threats, including Russia, reboot “hollowed out” armed forces and end wasteful acquisitions.

The much anticipated Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was commissioned by Labour leader Kier Starmer today and will be overseen by John Healey, UK defence secretary.

London said in a statement that the review will be completed “in the first half of 2025” and work is to begin right away, “in recognition of the urgency of the threats” it faces. Among the challenges to consider: Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and the rise of China in the Indo-Pacific.

Healey noted that, “at the start of a new era for Britain, we need a new era for defence. Hollowed-out armed forces, procurement waste and neglected morale cannot continue.”

The review will assess the general state of British armed forces, including “resources available,” define what capabilities the UK requires across all military domains, and ensure a “NATO first” approach “is at the heart of Britain’s defence plans,” added Labour.

SDRs are regular internal looks at Britain’s defense strategy, roughly analogous to the Pentagon’s National Defense Strategy. Previous reviews happened in 2015 and in 2021, with a refresher happening in 2023 as a result of the Ukraine war.

The launch of the new review comes after Starmer reinforced at the NATO summit in Washington last week that the UK is committed to increasing defense spending to 2.5 percent GDP; However, he has so far refused to put forward a timeframe for reaching the target. London currently spends around 2.3 percent on defense.

At this early stage, there is no indication of which big ticket procurements will be protected or potentially cut, with the exception of nuclear deterrence related efforts, which Labour backed in the build up to the general election, and AUKUS, after Healey publicly endorsed the trilateral effort during a visit to Sheffield, England, alongside Richard Marles, Australia’s defense minister, on Sunday.

Labour added that the review should address “the approach to be taken to acquisition and support in order to deliver the required capabilities in a timely way, and how to secure the best possible value for money and rapidly changing technology.”

The last UK government faced its fair share of equipment cost overruns, technical problems and procurement delays, especially concerning land vehicles, with the Ajax Armored Fighting Vehicle now expected to meet an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) milestone in 2025 – eight years later than originally planned.

It also remains to be seen how Labour will handle the £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion) New Medium Helicopter acquisition, which has Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin in competition to secure a contract for “up to” 44 helicopters, despite senior industry figures continuing to suggest London is only interested in a reduced buy of, at most, 30 aircraft.

While in opposition, Healey heavily criticized the Conservative government for squandering money on mismanaged procurements, arguing that £15 billion ($19 billion) had been wasted and that UK NATO commitments were being put at risk.

He has been similarly opposed to cuts made to the British Army that have led to the service falling to 72,510 personnel, its smallest size since the Napoleonic era. Despite his concern, Healey has not said how the Army will grow under his watch or set out a specific number to be targeted.

On force structure, the review will look at features “needed to create the necessary integrated multi-domain Defence capability of the future.”

There will be no break in policy by Labour toward “steadfast” support for Ukraine, having committing to “endure for as long as it takes” until Kyiv defeats Russia.

Healey told reporters on the sidelines of the NATO summit that should Russia win the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin will look to expand further, and a victory for Moscow could encourage other “big countries” to take what they want by force. He also suggested that regardless of who wins the next US election, it is clear the Pentagon will shift focus from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific and Europe must therefore “step up” to take on more responsibility for its own security.

Elsewhere, the review will look to “identify” how to maintain UK defense ties in the Indo-Pacific, the Gulf and Middle East.

George Robertson, a former UK defence secretary, will lead the review. He will be supported by Fiona Hill, a well-respected national security hand led European and Russian affairs on the US National Security Council from 2017 to 2019, and Richard Barrons, former commander of UK Joint Forces Command. The three person team will consult with lawmakers, industry and academia.

David Quarrey, UK permanent representative to NATO, said during an event hosted by the Royal United Services Institute defense thinktank today that it is “early days to be talking about the substance” of SDR, but that allies at the NATO summit wanted to and also heard “messages” from the UK pledging support for Ukraine, increased defense spending and “building” British defense capabilities.

“There’ll be a ton of work to do as we start putting all that through the Strategic Defense Review in the coming weeks or months and there’ll be detailed discussions with colleagues [from NATO] here I’m sure, during all of that, but I think people were reassured and delighted to hear the strength of those messages,” he explained.