Sir Keir Starmer has finally announced his investment plan for the British armed forces, committing £80 billion a year by 2029, after months of delay and the resignations of two defence ministers. The plan falls short of the Ministry of Defence's requested funding, a key factor behind the departures of John Healey and Al Carns, but the Prime Minister insists its impact will be transformative.
Funding Sources and Trade-Offs
Speaking at defence firm Molloy Aeronautics, Starmer outlined that much of the extra cash will come from cuts to other government projects, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to reduce borrowing. Road and energy projects were singled out as those that will 'not go ahead right now,' though specific schemes were not named.
Downing Street detailed several major allocations within the plan, including over £63 billion over four years for a new nuclear warhead, Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines, and other nuclear deterrent work. More than £5 billion is earmarked for a drone 'transformation,' with £650 million on expendable drones and other uncrewed vehicles inspired by innovations in Ukraine.
Key Investments in Munitions and Fighter Jets
£11 billion will be spent to increase stockpiles of munitions and weapons, while over £8 billion is allocated to develop and build a next-generation stealth fighter jet for the RAF, in collaboration with Japan and Italy. £26 billion—including some nuclear deterrent funds—will upgrade several UK naval bases.
Additional spending includes £790 million to protect the UK and overseas bases from air, drone, and missile threats through new radar, sensor systems, and Directed Energy Weapons. £900 million is dedicated to an efficiency drive, including AI investment to boost productivity, with £100 million to accelerate AI deployment for armed forces and £115 million to counter AI threats.
Defence Secretary's Remarks
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, who replaced Healey, stated: '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. By choosing to embrace new technology, I am equipping our troops with the autonomous systems which will give them the edge on the battlefield.'
Starmer emphasised that 'every pound in this plan will work twice,' bolstering national security while generating jobs and economic growth. He highlighted a shift in military landscape, where tanks, warships, and piloted planes are declining in importance relative to drones and autonomous vehicles.
Political Reaction
However, the Conservatives criticised the plan, arguing it is 'not worth the paper it’s written on,' as Starmer has already stepped down as Prime Minister and his successor—likely Andy Burnham—could alter it. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: 'The next Prime Minister needs to cut welfare and give our armed forces the funding they need to keep Britain safe.'
