politics
Britain Announces 27% Defense Spending Increase Through 2030
The United Kingdom will raise defense spending by 27% in real terms by 2030 and reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035 under a new four-year plan. Officials published the Defense Investment Plan on Tuesday committing an additional $20 billion.
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The United Kingdom will increase defense spending by 27% in real terms by 2030 under a new Defense Investment Plan published Tuesday. The plan commits an additional $20 billion and sets total spending at $393 billion over the next four years. The increase forms part of a commitment to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
Officials said the spending is the largest sustained rise since the Cold War and is intended to modernize capabilities across drones, munitions, warships, submarines, and cyber forces.
2022 and 2024, allies purchased $120 billion in weapons from U.S. defense firms. UK investment in U.S. programs supports more than 160,000 American jobs, and at least 15% of each F-35 aircraft is produced in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is NATO's third-highest defense spender in cash terms. Officials said the spending strengthens NATO and supports shared commitments under AUKUS and the Five Eyes intelligence network. The plan also aligns with joint events this weekend marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
