Long-delayed defence spending plan to be published on Tuesday, with focus on drone warfare
Summary
The UK government will publish a long-delayed defence investment plan (DIP) on Tuesday, focusing heavily on using more drones and autonomous weapons. The plan includes a £5 billion investment for these technologies and aims to update military equipment and infrastructure over the next decade.Key Facts
- The defence investment plan was delayed by about nine months and will be published shortly before the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) secured a £13.5 billion funding increase, which is less than half the £28 billion originally requested.
- Two defence ministers resigned because they felt the funding was insufficient and the plan was not ambitious enough.
- The plan shifts focus toward modern warfare, emphasizing drone use based on lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
- At least six new modern "hybrid" warships capable of deploying drones will be built, replacing older ships.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supports the plan, calling it a "game-changing investment" to keep Britain safe and boost the defence industry.
- Unions and defence companies warned that delays in the plan threaten UK jobs, skills, and national security.
- Sir Keir’s publication of the plan before leaving office may create tensions with his expected successor, Andy Burnham, who has approved the plan but may want to adjust future defence spending.
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