First Sea Lord responds to Strategic Defence Review: “A new Navy to meet a new threat”

Sir Gwyn stressed the urgent need to prepare for warfighting, stating, “We must act now and move rapidly to a position of warfighting readiness.” He called for unity and integration across Defence and the nation, emphasising the importance of being “combat ready, as one integrated force… to deter threats and strengthen our national security.”

He affirmed the Royal Navy’s continued commitment to NATO, underlining the goal of “strengthening security, resilience and readiness in the Euro Atlantic.” Central to the Navy’s future will be its nuclear deterrent, with Sir Gwyn declaring, “Our clear priority is delivering our Continuous At-Sea Deterrent and assuring the transition from Vanguard to Dreadnought.”

Calling this mission a “no fail” endeavour, Sir Gwyn described the nuclear programme as “the bedrock of our national security and contributing to an engine for growth, driving jobs and prosperity.” He also highlighted innovation shaped by lessons from the war in Ukraine and supported by the UK’s industrial base.

“We will protect our critical underwater infrastructure,” he stated, “and will be uncrewed where possible, crewed where necessary, using autonomy to build mass, increase lethality and reduce personnel at risk.” The Navy’s evolving approach reflects a wider transformation across Defence in response to new global conditions.

Concluding his message, Sir Gwyn said, “We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence.” He affirmed that the Strategic Defence Review “will make Britain safer – secure at home and strong abroad.”

Source: Royal Navy.