UK Defence Spending Plan Not Yet Published

The Ministry of Defence reported this week that two Russian warplanes had, within the last month, dangerously intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea. NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps is testing the alliance's ability to jam communications and counter drones during Operation Arrcade Strike.

The exercise is being run from a disused part of Charing Cross London Underground station.

The government has not published its Defence Investment Plan, which was due after the last Budget. Leaks indicate that a cumulative total of some £18bn more will be allocated to the core defence budget over the next few years. 5 per cent NATO target for 2035.

Poland has set higher defence spending targets based on cash requirements to defend its territory. The British government has not matched this approach. Public opinion on defence spending is hardening but has not yet shifted enough to alter government policy.