Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Department reaffirms NATO's growing strategic importance, emphasising standardisation and interoperability among members.
Conclusion
At our evidence session the Department had reiterated the importance of NATO to its strategic outlook and noted that one theme of the SDR’s terms of reference is thinking ‘NATO-first’, when considering policy, capability requirements and procurement .43 The Department said that NATO is now stronger following recent geopolitical developments: its membership has increased to 32 with the addition of Finland and Sweden; it is refreshing its operational plans so that they are in a better state, with member nations knowing how they best fit in and what capabilities are required; and total NATO defence spending has increased enormously, predominantly through European countries.44 One area of renewed emphasis is on NATO’s planning, meaning that the 32 nations can operate collectively, with each knowing its place in NATO’s war plans. NATO is also reemphasising the importance of standardisation and the interoperability of equipment between members, which the conference of national armaments directors is working to address.45 41 Q 4; Ministry of Defence, Strategic Defence Review 2024–2025: Terms of Reference, 17 July 2024 42 Q 6 43 Qq 26 and 41 44 Qq 23 - 26 45 Q 26 14
Government Response Summary
The government confirms its "NATO-first" strategic outlook and states it has endorsed the Strategic Defence Review's vision and recommendations, which will be implemented via a new Defence Investment Plan published in Autumn 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 4.2 This government has endorsed the Strategic Defence Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. The department will develop a new Defence Investment Plan (DIP) to implement the Review’s vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan that will be published in the autumn. The department will ensure that this Plan is affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technological opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. 4.3 Work on the DIP is progressing at pace and will include a thorough analysis of the programme required to meet the ambition of the SDR. The department will provide updates on progress as requested by the Committee.