UK Defence Review 2025: Defence Requirements in the MENA Region

As geopolitical tensions surge across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the United Kingdom must adopt a defence strategy that balances agility, strength, and foresight. This article outlines the critical priorities for the British Armed Forces, focusing on maritime security in chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, counter-terrorism efforts to combat threats like ISIS, and the importance of intelligence networks to monitor regional instability. With a nuanced approach to standing capabilities and crisis response, the UK can navigate this complex theatre while safeguarding its interests and supporting regional stability.

The article highlights how the UK must innovate to counter modern threats, from leveraging advanced technologies in space security to fostering partnerships with regional allies like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It also emphasises the dual role of humanitarian aid and force projection in addressing immediate and long-term crises. Download the full analysis to explore how the British Armed Forces can maintain a strategic edge in one of the world’s most volatile regions.