UK Finalises Long-Term Military Investment Plan Ahead of NATO Summit
Chief of the Defence Staff Richard Knighton said the UK must increase defense outlays quickly. The Defence Investment Plan remains delayed by budget disputes.
rediff.comChief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Richard Knighton said on Friday that Russia is raising the stakes and risks crossing a line. He told BBC Radio that Britain must spend more on defense and do it faster. The new Labour government took office in July 2024 and inherited a Defence Investment Plan process delayed for months by budget disagreements under the previous administration.
The plan has been held up since last year by budget rows within the government. Defence Secretary John Healey stated on Monday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to publish the Defence Investment Plan before the NATO summit on 7 July. The plan will set out funding for military equipment and services required to reach a state of warfighting readiness.
A new contract described as a bridge for the Global Combat Air Programme fighter jet project was signed, allowing work to continue until the end of June. Money has begun to flow for the programme, a source cited by Defense News said.
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