Defence Secretary John Healey has called for a new era of "hard power" amid growing threats.
Following his announcement that a Russian spy ship is on the edge of UK waters, he said: "This is also a stark reminder that we are in a new era of threat.
"Our world is changing. It is less predictable, it is more dangerous.
"This is a new era of threat, it demands a new era for defence," he added.
"A new era of hard power, strong allies, and of sure diplomacy. As the threat grows, Britain must step up - and we are."
