Britain’s defence strategy is “no longer adequate” in the face of growing tensions with Russia, the Defence Committee has warned as it urged the next government to meet the Nato 2% defence spending target.
The MPs said the UK needed to be prepared for the potential deployment of troops or resources in several different places at once – something, they said, that was not accounted for in the 2010 defence review.
Related content
Skills still an issue for Defence Equipment and Support, says Public Accounts Committee
Defensive measures: CSW interviews Ministry of Defence permanent secretary Jon Thompson
Defence spending pledge among DUP's terms for post-election support
“There is a requirement to support stability in a dozen different theatres simultaneously, and to engage with both unconventional and conventional threats,” the report warned.
The committee also said it would be “extremely damaging” for the UK’s credibility if it stopped spending 2% of GDP on defence.