A new report on the UK’s defence posture highlights concerns over the country’s diminishing military capability and its impact on NATO leadership. The Defence Committee’s findings warn that the UK’s declining force size, delays in delivering modernisation projects, and underfunded homeland defence programs jeopardise both national security and the country’s credibility among allies.
The report raises questions about the UK’s ability to protect both its own territory and overseas holdings. Committee chair Tan Dhesi emphasizes, “We cannot bury our heads in the sand,” pointing to threats from Russia, disinformation, and repeated airspace violations. He stresses that readiness must become a top priority and that the UK should take the lead if US support diminishes.
From a NATO perspective, the report identifies structural weaknesses. The UK currently occupies 1,053 NATO posts, with 8% unfilled as of mid-2025. Families deployed to NATO installations face challenges including disrupted medical care and career interruptions. The report notes that the government’s stated “NATO First” posture cannot be maintained without a stronger military base.
The conclusions are stark: witnesses highlighted the UK’s lack of mass, delays in promised capability development, and failure to meet Article 3 obligations. Slow progress on the Home Defence Programme, poor cross-government coordination, and an inward-focused Cabinet Office were also cited as areas of concern.
The committee recommends implementing the Strategic Defence Review, publishing annual updates, providing classified briefings on NATO commitments, and creating clear plans to strengthen the defence industrial base. Dhesi frames the report as “a wake-up call for the Ministry of Defence.”
