UK Unveils 15 Billion Pound Defense Plan Centered on Drones and Jets

The UK government announced a defense investment plan on June 30 that adds 15 billion pounds in new spending, with self-flying fighter jets, uncrewed submarines and drones at its center. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the plan reflects a world of conflicts transformed by technology and will keep Britain safe in a more dangerous and volatile world.

He stated that when the world is arming and aggression is rising, the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it.

Under the plan, defense spending will reach 2.7 percent of GDP by 2029. Starmer said the 3 percent target will be reached in the next Parliament, a period that could extend to 2034. The government remains committed to NATO’s 3.5 percent target by 2035.

The new funding will boost total defense spending to almost 300 billion pounds over the next four years. Allocations include 5 billion pounds for drone technology, 8 billion pounds to build new stealth fighter jets with Japan and Italy, 11 billion pounds to increase weapons stockpiles, and 64 billion pounds to modernize nuclear weapons.

The Royal Navy will receive hybrid vessels that act as command hubs for drones instead of a planned fleet of new destroyers.

Starmer spoke at a drone manufacturer near London and noted that Ukrainian forces have destroyed Russia’s Black Sea fleet and struck deep into Russian territory. John Healey resigned as defense secretary on June 11 after the government declined to commit to 3 percent of GDP by 2030.

In the House of Commons on June 30 he called for a clear funding plan that meets the NATO commitment of 3.5 percent by 2035.

Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis worked to sharpen and strengthen the plan, which provides more than the 13.5 billion pounds previously offered by the Treasury but less than the 28 billion pounds defense officials had sought. Starmer said some road and energy projects would be scrapped to help pay for the military.