By Mark Mathieson MBE

Modern conflict is no longer defined by mass alone, but by speed. The war in Ukraine has shown how quickly technology can be adapted, how rapidly tactics evolve and how decisive data led decision making has become. Advantage increasingly lies with those who can decide and act faster than their opponents.

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At the same time, geopolitical instability across the Middle East, Europe and Asia is driving calls for increased defence spending. But funding will not in itself deliver security. The real test is whether that investment translates into tangible capability, readiness and resilience. In short, can we move faster and think smarter than our adversaries?

UK defence must adapt or we will be left behind

The uncomfortable truth is that much of defence is not yet set up for this reality. Long procurement cycles, rigid processes and layered decision-making structures are still the norm. These approaches were designed for a different era.

The Strategic Defence Review rightly called for operating at wartime pace in peacetime. Yet there remains a clear gap between ambition and execution. Without change,........

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