Published: June 5, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen | Defense & Geopolitics Desk 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
On June 1st, a bold Ukrainian drone operation deep within Russian territory shocked the world. Launching from trucks, drones targeted Russian airfields and reportedly destroyed or damaged a dozen bombers—marking a historic military raid that has already been compared to some of the greatest sabotage missions in warfare.
This stunning operation revealed two key truths:
New technologies, when used creatively, can be devastatingly effective.
Modern warfare now extends deep behind the front lines, challenging decades-old strategic assumptions.
UK’s Defense Review: A Blueprint for Modern Military Strategy
Just a day later, the UK released a pivotal Defense Review, showcasing a much-needed evolution in military thinking across the West. The document acknowledges:
The need to reinvest in home defense and prepare for global conflict.
A shift toward tech-enabled, agile warfare using drones, AI, and cyber defense.
The importance of a whole-of-society resilience strategy including industry, academia, and public readiness.
Reviving Airpower: Decentralization & Dispersal
During the post-Cold War era, the UK, like many NATO members, consolidated air bases to save costs. However, Ukraine’s drone tactics exposed this as a critical vulnerability.
Britain now aims to:
Relearn combat readiness from dispersed bases
Stockpile ammunition, parts, and fuel across broader zones
Prepare civil infrastructure (like energy grids and communications) for war resilience
Tech, Drones, and AI: The New Weapons of 21st Century Conflict
The UK review warns that emerging technologies—especially AI, cyberwarfare, and autonomous drones—are changing war more profoundly than ever in history.
Key initiatives include:
Allocating 10% of defense procurement budgets to experimental technologies.
Accelerating Royal Navy plans to deploy hybrid drone-carrier wings.
Building an Army with a 20-40-40 mix of crewed vehicles, reusable drones, and single-use “consumables” (missiles, drones, shells).
Old Power Still Counts: Submarines, Tanks & Strategic Deterrents
While drones dominate the headlines, the UK defense strategy wisely avoids declaring older weaponry obsolete. For example:
Tanks are still vital to protect infantry in increasingly exposed battlefields.
The UK commits to building up to 12 nuclear-powered submarines, recognizing their enduring strategic power.
The Elephant in the Room: How Will It All Be Funded?
Despite the ambition, funding falls short. The UK targets 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a vague goal of 3% by 2034. In contrast:
Russia is rapidly rearming
The U.S. is refocusing on the Indo-Pacific, signaling a drawdown in Europe
Germany may outspend Britain 2:1 by 2029
At the upcoming June 24th NATO Summit, allies are expected to propose a 3.5% GDP defense commitment. Achieving this will require major political will—through taxes, budget cuts, or borrowing.
Final Thought: Deterrence Over Devastation
As Britain’s defense review wisely states, “Until recently… a war with another advanced military seemed unthinkable.” But global tensions, technological advances, and unpredictable alliances mean the unthinkable may now be on the horizon.
It’s far cheaper—and smarter—to prevent a war than to fight one.