Implications of the war in Ukraine for UK Defence short inquiry launched

• Call for evidence
• Send a written submission
• Inquiry: The implications of the war in Ukraine for UK Defence
• International Relations and Defence Committee

Background

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has challenged some of our strategic assumptions about modern warfare. The inquiry will gather interim lessons from the war and consider to what extent they are applicable to the UK and our Armed Forces. It will consider whether the UK and our allies are investing in the appropriate capabilities—both to provide ongoing support to Ukraine and credible deterrence against Russian aggression.

Focus of the inquiry

The Committee is seeking evidence on a number of questions, including:

• What does the war in Ukraine tell us about the changing character of warfare? To what extent are the lessons from the war in Ukraine applicable to UK Defence? What are the implications for the UK’s defence priorities, including manpower?

• What steps should the UK take to strengthen its military-industrial base and upskill the relevant workforce in light of the war in Ukraine? What are the main challenges?

• Is there a need for the UK to increase investment in integrated air defence and missile defence in light of the war in Ukraine?

• How have drones been used by both sides in the war in Ukraine and what has been their impact for the way the war has been fought? What lessons should the UK Armed Forces draw from the use of drones in Ukraine?

• What role has the space domain played in the war in Ukraine, and how has this differed from previous conflicts? What are the implications for the UK Armed Forces?

• What progress has been made in increasing joint procurement and harmonising defence systems among NATO allies, especially among our European partners?

For the full list of questions on which the Committee is seeking written evidence, please refer to the call for evidence.

Chair's Comments

Lord Ashton of Hyde, Chair of the Committee said:

“Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks the return of conventional warfare to Europe. Although the war is ongoing and further lessons are likely to emerge, the conflict has already delivered preliminary lessons on the evolving character of modern warfare.

“Our inquiry will examine, amongst other things, the role played by new technologies on the Ukrainian battlefield, manpower requirements, the pressures on industry to replenish equipment and weapons stocks, and the adequacy of procurement processes—drawing both strategic and operational lessons for UK Defence.”

Timeline

The deadline for written evidence is 17:00 on Wednesday 1 May 2024.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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