Integrated Review

In a statement in September 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the Integrated Review would be underpinned by a commitment to spend at at least 2% of GDP on defence—as defined as a target by NATO, 0.7% of GNI on Official development assistance and the maintenance of the British nuclear deterrent. The Prime Minister summarised the review's objectives as follows:[12]

• To define the United Kingdom's role in the world, as well as its long-term strategic aims for national security and foreign policy.
• To set out how the UK will be a "problem-solving" and "burden-sharing" nation, working more effectively with its allies.
• To determine the capabilities required for the next decade and beyond to pursue the UK's objectives and address the risks and threats it faces.
• To address reforms to Government systems and structures to achieve these goals.
• To outline the implementation for these goals and how it will be evaluated.

The review first began in October 2019 with a publication date set for "early 2020", however the COVID-19 pandemic caused it to be postponed indefinitely.[9][13][14] The review subsequently restarted in July 2020 with an unspecified publication date.[9] A call for evidence was published on 13 August 2020 by the Cabinet Office.[15] In October 2020, the review's future was reportedly in question following a decision to implement a separate spending review, which would cover one year instead of three, due to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[16][17][18] A new publication date for February 2021 was then set but was subsequently missed,[19] and a new date for spring was later set.[3]

In November 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an investment of £16.5 billion into defence over four years — representing a share of over 2.2% of GDP[20] — as the first conclusion of the Integrated Review. Reported as the "largest military investment in 30 years", Johnson stated: "This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our Armed Forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life".[21] The investment amounts to an increase of between 10–⁠15 percent on the current annual budget of £41.5 billion.[22]

Whilst the review is not set to be published until "early next year", the following decisions have already been announced:[20]

• The United Kingdom must be restored as the "foremost naval power in Europe", with the introduction of eight Type 26 frigates, five Type 31 frigates and support ships for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
• A new generation of warships must be developed, including new Type 32 frigates and multi-role research vessels.
• Two aircraft carriers must be maintained, with one carrier strike group permanently available and routinely deployed globally, including alongside NATO and other allies.
• The Trident nuclear deterrent must be renewed.

• A new UK Space Command must be formed to launch British satellites and, in 2022, the first rocket from Scotland. (The first commander was announced as Air Commodore Paul Godfrey in February 2021.)[23]
• A new fighter system which harnesses artificial intelligence and drone technology must be introduced.

• £1.5 billion must be invested into military research and development.
• Directed energy weapons must equip warships and combat vehicles.
• A new centre dedicated to artificial intelligence must be established.
• Intelligence agencies and service personnel must be combined to form a new National Cyber Force to counter terrorism, organised crime and hostile state activity.