Strategic Defence Review 2025: UDSS Members Insight and Involvement
As the UK prepares to publish the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Universal Defence and Security Solutions (UDSS) is proud of its members who played a significant role in shaping this critical assessment of the nation’s defence posture and priorities.
Led by Lord Robertson alongside General Sir Richard Barrons, UDSS Co-Founder and Co-Chair and Dr Fiona Hill, this review marks a historic moment: the first time an external team has been formally commissioned by the Prime Minister to lead the UK’s national defence review.
A Historic Review, Informed by Practitioners
In July 2024, the UK government tasked this independent team with undertaking a strategic, evidence-led evaluation of current and future defence challenges. With more than 700 former senior military and civil service professionals in its network, UDSS members contributed a deep breadth of experience, strategic thinking, and global insight.
From former 4-star generals to experts in cyber, space, and policing, UDSS members formed a core part of the SDR working group. Together, they delivered a fast-paced and comprehensive review, engaging across Whitehall and with international partners. The report was submitted in March 2025 and is currently pending publication.
Pre-register here to receive the SDR in full upon official release: https://www.universal-defence.com/may-2025-pre-register-to-receive-a-copy-of-the-uk-sdr-2025
Who We Are – and Why It Matters
UDSS is a strategic advisory group composed of practitioners with first-hand experience across the defence, security, and intelligence landscape. Independent of the Ministry of Defence but working in close partnership with government and allied nations, UDSS brings trusted capability to areas that demand specialist insight.
Our expertise includes:
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Strategic policy and defence reviews
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Security sector reform
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Senior leader mentoring
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Cyber, digital, and space strategy
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Professional military education and training
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Acquisition and capability modernisation
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Policing, border security, and corruption interdiction
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Catastrophic risk forecasting and geospatial intelligence
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Civil and military space programme development
Why This Matters to Industry and Government
For those operating in the defence and security sector, the Strategic Defence Review will hold significant implications for policy alignment, future planning, and commercial opportunity.
UDSS is uniquely placed to support:
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Tailored briefings on the SDR and its findings
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Strategic advice for bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation
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Enhancing UK capability visibility with international partners
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Identifying defence-driven economic and industrial growth pathways
Following the SDR’s release, UDSS members will be hosting dedicated briefings and presentations for UK and international audiences, including defence attachés, government departments, and industry leaders.
If your organisation would benefit from understanding how the SDR may impact your operational or strategic objectives, we invite you to explore a conversation with us.
To book a briefing or discuss how UDSS can support your goals, contact us at:
info@universal-defence.com
The future of defence requires collaboration, innovation, and clarity. UDSS stands ready to support our partners in shaping the next chapter of UK and global security.