UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, under which an additional £15 billion will be allocated to the armed forces over the next four years. Total investment in defence during this period will amount to approximately £298 billion.
The additional funds will be channelled into modernising the army, navy and air force, enhancing combat readiness and introducing modern technologies. Key priorities include:
£5 billion for the ‘drone transformation’ of the armed forces, including the creation of Europe’s largest UAV testing centre and the scaling up of production.
Over £8 billion — for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a next-generation fighter jet in collaboration with Italy and Japan.
Substantial investment in nuclear deterrence capabilities, including the construction of new Dreadnought-class submarines and participation in the AUKUS project.
The Royal Navy’s transition to a ‘hybrid’ model utilising unmanned AI systems.
Starmer emphasised that the additional expenditure would be funded by reallocating funds from other areas — in particular, by cutting investment in road construction, energy and housing. “We have made other choices in favour of defence,” the Prime Minister stated.
The government emphasises that the increase in spending is a response to growing global threats, including the situation in Ukraine and general instability. The plan aims to ensure that the British armed forces are prepared for wars “today and tomorrow”.
The opposition and experts note that the reallocation of budget funds could have a negative impact on other infrastructure projects but acknowledge the need to strengthen defence in the current geopolitical climate.