Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled the UK's defence investment plan, committing £80 billion per year to the armed forces by 2029. The announcement, delayed for months and preceded by the resignations of two defence ministers, John Healey and Al Carns, came during a speech at Molloy Aeronautics. The Prime Minister acknowledged the Ministry of Defence had sought more funding, but insisted the plan would be transformative.
Funding sources and trade-offs
Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to reduce government borrowing, meaning much of the extra defence cash will come from cuts elsewhere. Starmer indicated that road and energy projects would 'not go ahead right now', though specific projects were not named. The plan reflects a shift in military priorities, with tanks, warships, and piloted planes declining in significance compared to drones and autonomous vehicles.
Key investments
Downing Street detailed several major spending commitments over the next four years: over £63 billion on nuclear deterrent work, including a new warhead, Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines; more than £5 billion on drone transformation, with £650 million for expendable drones inspired by Ukraine war innovations; £11 billion to boost munitions stockpiles; over £8 billion for a next-generation stealth fighter jet developed with Japan and Italy; £26 billion (including some nuclear funds) to upgrade naval bases; £790 million for protection against air, drone, and missile threats, including Directed Energy Weapons; £900 million on efficiency drives using AI; £100 million to deploy AI for armed forces; and £115 million to counter AI threats.
Economic and security benefits
Starmer stated that 'every pound in this plan will work twice', strengthening national security while generating jobs and economic growth. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, who replaced Healey, said: 'I have secured more money and made different choices for defence. We will invest £298 billion over the next four years. That includes an additional £15 billion, of which most is extra day-to-day spending for training and improving availability of ships and aircraft to increase our war-fighting readiness.'
Political reaction
The Conservatives criticised the plan, with shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge calling it 'not worth the paper it's written on', noting Starmer has stepped down as Prime Minister and his successor, likely Andy Burnham, could alter it. Cartlidge added: 'The next Prime Minister needs to cut welfare and give our armed forces the funding they need to keep Britain safe.'
