2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review

2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review was a fundamental reassessment of the United Kingdom's defence and security posture, initiated by the newly formed coalition government led by David Cameron. Published in October 2010, it was driven by the need to address a significant budget deficit inherited from the previous Labour administration and to redefine strategic priorities following operations in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. The review established a new National Security Council and set out a tiered approach to managing risks to the UK's security and interests.

Background and context

The review was commissioned against a backdrop of severe fiscal pressure following the global financial crisis, which had left the Ministry of Defence with a substantial projected budget shortfall. The strategic context was shaped by the ongoing ISAF mission in Helmand Province and a desire to move beyond the expeditionary warfare focus of the previous decade. Key influences included the 2010 National Security Strategy, which identified a range of state-based and asymmetric threats, and the political agreement between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats that formed the coalition government. The process was overseen by the Cabinet Secretary and involved extensive consultation with military chiefs, including the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Key findings and strategic approach

The review concluded that the UK must maintain its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a leading member of NATO, while acknowledging more constrained resources. It adopted a "Tiered" approach to prioritising commitments, focusing on defending the Overseas Territories and the UK mainland, and maintaining the nuclear deterrent via the Vanguard-class and future Dreadnought-class submarines. A central finding was the need for a "Whole Force" concept, better integrating Regular and Reserve forces, and increasing reliance on partnerships with allies like the United States and France. The strategy emphasised cyber security, counter-terrorism, and resilience, leading to the creation of the National Cyber Security Centre.

Defence and security capabilities

Major capability decisions included the immediate retirement of the HMS Ark Royal and the Harrier GR9 jump-jet fleet, leaving a gap in carrier strike capability until the introduction of the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and F-35B Lightning II aircraft. The Royal Navy surface fleet was reduced, with early decommissioning of Type 22 frigates, while the Royal Air Force saw reductions in Tornado GR4 squadrons. The British Army was restructured under Army 2020, with the regular force reduced and the Territorial Army expanded and rebranded. Key programmes protected included the Typhoon aircraft, the Astute-class attack submarines, and the renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent.

Implementation and impact

Implementation of the review's decisions was managed by the Ministry of Defence and the new National Security Council, leading to significant organisational change across the British Armed Forces. The rapid removal of fixed-wing carrier capability had immediate operational consequences and was later criticised during the Libyan intervention of 2011. The restructuring of the British Army under Army 2020 and the increased emphasis on Reserves proved challenging and evolved into the later Future Soldier programme. The review's financial settlement aimed to balance the MOD budget, though equipment programme affordability issues persisted, influencing the subsequent 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Reactions and analysis

Reactions were mixed, with support from government allies for its fiscal responsibility but strong criticism from opposition figures, former military leaders, and defence analysts. The House of Commons Defence Select Committee conducted inquiries into the review's assumptions and outcomes. Critics, including former First Sea Lords, argued the cuts degraded the UK's global power projection, particularly the loss of carrier strike. The decisions on the Harrier GR9 and Ark Royal were frequently cited as strategic errors. Analysts noted the review successfully embedded national security as a cross-government function but questioned the long-term viability of the "**smaller but more capable**" force structure given emerging threats from states like Russia, as later evidenced by the annexation of Crimea and the Syrian civil war.

Category:2010 in the United Kingdom Category:2010 in military history Category:Defence reviews of the United Kingdom Category:David Cameron