UK government outlines £15bn defence funding increase with £4.7bn still to be identified

The government released its Defence Investment Plan on 30 June 2026, committing an additional £15bn to the armed forces. The plan includes £1.5bn secured in recent weeks, bringing the total increase to £15bn. Officials confirmed that £10.3bn of the £15bn has been identified, leaving £4.7bn to be found at the next budget.

Funding details and remaining gaps The plan also sets a target of £10.7bn in defence efficiencies by 2030, though specific measures to reach that figure were not detailed. Officials noted that defence spending is expected to be a priority in the next spending review.

The outgoing prime minister described the plan as a platform for a successor to build upon. The current defence secretary stated that further funding beyond the announced amount will be needed.

Political context and next steps The plan follows the resignation of the previous defence secretary, who had argued that the attached funding was insufficient. The incoming prime minister is expected to address the remaining £4.7bn allocation after taking office.

Officials said the defence secretary discussed the plan with the incoming prime minister but could not brief on certain security matters.