Summary
The UK plans to increase its defense spending to 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2034, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. The government will release a strategic defense review soon, which will lay out the military spending priorities for the coming years, though exact commitments are not yet finalized.
Key Facts
- The UK aims to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2034.
- This plan is not yet a formal government commitment, according to sources.
- A strategic defense review will be published soon, setting future military spending plans.
- The review suggests new technology integration, including digital experts and unmanned weapons.
- Current UK defense spending is planned to increase to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.
- Over £1 billion will be invested to develop technology for faster military decision-making.
- UK overseas aid is set to decrease from 0.5% to 0.3% to help fund defense spending.
- This aid cut led to the resignation of International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds in February.
