Britain Talks Tough on Defense. It Now Needs the Funding to Match

A month into the war in Iran, Britain finally sent a nuclear-powered submarine to the Arabian Sea. The only problem is that it can’t escort commercial shipping, provide air defense or maintain a visible presence in contested waters.

A similar pattern is visible across the UK’s once-formidable armed forces. Although the country still has advanced capabilities, it often lacks the equipment, logistics and personnel needed to use them effectively. With its commitments proliferating — from Ukraine to helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — Britain needs a realistic rethink of its military needs and abilities.