'We must be prepared for a world where cruise missiles are only 90 minutes away from UK'

BRITAIN faces a “new era of threat” including the “immediate and pressing” danger of Russia, the Strategic Defence Review warns.

- Conor Wilson

One of the authors said we must recognise that a cruise missile is “only 90 minutes away from the UK”.

General Sir Richard Barrons told Sky News: “We should absolutely be prepared to exist in a world where things like precision missiles can range the UK and do great harm.”

And Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain must be prepared for a military attack by Russia.

The long-awaited report also focuses on other countries, including China, which is described as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge”.

The SDR sets out its plan for the armed forces over the next decade. Described as “the most profound change in 150 years” to our military.

The Government is expected to accept all of its 62 recommendations in full. However, it is unable to guarantee an increase in defence spending of 3% in the next parliament — something the report’s authors describe as “vital”. Here are the most significant take-aways from the SDR:

CYBER

A NEW Cyber Command will combine skills in the private sector with those in the armed forces to allow the UK to better respond to and launch electronic warfare attacks.

The country has been attacked in the cyber realm 90,000 times in the past two years.

SUBMARINES

THE Prime Minister has expressed a desire to see a new nuclear submarine produced every 18 months as part of a “new hybrid Navy”.

Up to 12 hi-tech nuclear submarines will replace the seven-strong Astute class at Faslane and merge with “cutting-edge warships and support ships” as well as autonomous vessels to patrol the North Atlantic and protect underwater cables.

LETHALITY AND MEANS OF FIGHTING

THE report claims its recommendations will make the Army 10 times more lethal by combining armoured capability with air defence, communications, AI, software, long-range weapons and land drone swarms.