The UK government has announced plans to recall former service personnel up to the age of 65 under new legislation, as part of a £298 billion Defence Investment Plan aimed at preparing for future conflicts. The changes will strengthen the Ministry of Defence's Strategic Reserve, bringing the recall age within two years of the state pension age, currently 66 and rising to 67.
Key Changes to Recall Liability
The plan outlines: "The key changes include increasing the recall liability for personnel up to the age of 65 and lowering the threshold for recall so that Reservists can be recalled for 'warlike preparations' in addition to the current requirement for 'national danger, great emergency, or attack on the UK'."
This adjustment allows the UK to "mobilise talent rapidly when it matters most, strengthening our readiness and bolstering our resilience." The government also intends to deliver a Defence Readiness Bill later in this Parliament.
Investment in Munitions and Aerospace
Under the plan, the government is increasing investment in domestic munitions manufacturing. It states: "The government has re-established onshore manufacturing of heavy barrel ordnance with a new factory in Telford and using UK steel from Sheffield Forgemasters. These revived facilities are already delivering artillery to Ukraine and will provide the barrels for the Army's new RCH155 artillery howitzers."
Additionally, the plan allocates funding for new fighter jets to replace the Red Arrows' ageing Hawk aircraft. "We will have new jets for a modernised fast-jet training system which will also allow the Red Arrows to replace the ageing Hawk aircraft, inspiring young generations for decades to come," the document reads.
Over £1.1 billion will be invested to upgrade and sustain the Typhoon force into the 2040s, and additional F-35s will be purchased. The plan also includes £300 million for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) to fly alongside current fighters, paving the way for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which will receive £8.6 billion to develop Europe's first 6th Generation Air Force.
Defence Secretary's Vision for the Next War
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis emphasised the need to prepare for future conflicts: "But increased spending is only half the story. We have made tough choices, to stop doing things which were designed for another age, and invest in capabilities fit for the next war, not the last one." He highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and uncrewed systems, stating these technologies will receive increased investment.
Jarvis also announced closer defence ties with Germany and the Netherlands. "If we fight together then we should build together. We will accelerate deep precision strike weapons and close support artillery with Germany, and we will seek to create a new amphibious combined fleet with the Netherlands," he said.
The plan aims to back British workers and innovation: "Our Defence Investment Plan will back British workers, businesses and innovation. It will secure the sovereign technologies the UK needs for the future: AI, autonomy, and quantum – all built by the finest minds from Britain's research and development base."
