Starmer under pressure over slow defence response as war in Europe intensifies - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

"The UK risks falling behind if it does not speed up investment in both conventional and cutting-edge defence technology. Geopolitical threats are evolving rapidly, and Britain needs to match the pace of change if it wants to remain secure."

"Gaps remain in ground-based air defences and missile interception systems, naval fleet expansion and modernisation, cyber and intelligence operations and recruitment and retention of skilled personnel. These shortfalls come at a time when other European nations, particularly Germany, are increasing defence spending faster than the UK, reaching levels above 3% of GDP."

"Experts argue that gradual reforms and incremental procurement are insufficient. Instead, the UK should accelerate investments in both technology and conventional forces to maintain its strategic edge in a rapidly evolving security environment. Failure to act quickly could leave Britain more vulnerable to both state and non-state threats."

The UK faces significant defence capability gaps as geopolitical tensions escalate and hybrid warfare threats intensify. While other European nations, particularly Germany, accelerate defence spending beyond 3% of GDP, the UK's military modernisation efforts in cyber defences, armoured vehicles, and missile systems lag behind the pace of change. Critical shortfalls exist in ground-based air defences, naval modernisation, cyber operations, and personnel recruitment. Hybrid warfare increasingly combines cyberattacks, disinformation, and unmanned systems with conventional operations, threatening critical infrastructure. Defence experts argue that incremental reforms are insufficient and advocate for accelerated investment in both cutting-edge technology and conventional forces to maintain strategic security and protect against state and non-state threats.

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