Strategic Defence Unit

Rebuilding the ladder: Options for boosting Britain’s nuclear posture

William Freer and Peter Watkins CB CBE explore options for bolstering the United Kingdom’s nuclear capabilities and deterrence posture.

The Wider North: Refocusing on NATO’s northern flank

Prof. Klaus Dodds and Prof. Caroline Kennedy-Pipe explain the importance to the UK of a strong presence in the Wider North.

Deterrence: Integrating Britain’s conventional and nuclear forces

Matthew Palmer describes how the United Kingdom can generate greater synergies between its nuclear and conventional forces.

UK space strategy and the national space interest: A methodological approach

Gabriel Elefteriu outlines Britain’s national space interest and provides a methodological approach for UK space strategy making.

Extended deterrence: From ‘tripwires’ to ‘cobwebs’

Robert Clark explains how Britain can enhance its extended deterrence posture from conventional ‘tripwires’ to nuclear ‘cobwebs’.

Collective defence: The Strategic Defence Review and capability gaps in a changing NATO

William Freer examines Britain’s capability gaps and how they can be filled through building upon the Strategic Defence Review 2025.