UK’s refreshed Defence Command Paper earns mixed reviews
The new Defence Command Paper included no new plans for the procurement of platforms such as main battle tanks. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright.)
Having finally published a long-awaited refreshed Defence Command Paper on 18 July, experts have weighed in on the quality of the UK’s defence plans.
Published two years after the original Defence Command Paper in 2021, the refreshed document varies little from the original defence plan but added more funding for munitions stockpiles and the promise of new career pathways.
The additional £2.5 billion ($3.27 billion) in stockpile investment recognises that stocks of essential munitions had been allowed to dwindle.
Laying out the document before Parliament, outgoing Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that previous Conservative and Labour governments had 'hollowed out' defence for too long.
Wallace – who will leave his post at the next reshuffle - said that the Department had not planned on
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth]()
Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth
Results for Q1 2025 have been strong across the board for many defence companies in Europe with forward-looking statements and predictions for the full year also looking good.
-
![Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?]()
Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?
Solutions that identify, engage and destroy targets with minimal or no human intervention are becoming critical on tomorrow’s battlefield.
-
![Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds]()
Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds
First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
