Frank Gardner: Key points from government's defence spending plan
Summary
The UK government has announced a defence investment plan that adds £15 billion to its defence budget, reaching £270 billion over four years. The plan focuses on new nuclear weapons, combat aircraft, and more uncrewed military technology, but some say the funding is still less than what is needed.Key Facts
- The UK will increase defence spending from £54 billion a year in 2024 to £80 billion by 2029, a 27% rise.
- Total defence spending over the next four years will be £270 billion.
- This spending equals about 2.7% of the UK's economic output (GDP) by 2030, below NATO's 3% target.
- £63 billion is set aside for the UK’s nuclear weapons and related systems.
- £11 billion will replace weapons sent to Ukraine, such as anti-tank and artillery systems.
- £8 billion will go to a new fighter jet project with Italy and Japan, including drones to work alongside pilots.
- £790 million will improve air and missile defences with new radars and counter-drone systems.
- The plan shifts military focus from expensive large weapons to smaller, cheaper uncrewed systems.
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