The UK's elite commandos are set to receive £500 million as part of a revamped defence investment plan, with a focus on countering Russian activity in the High North region, including the Arctic Circle. The funding will be directed towards high-speed boats, strike drones, and other advanced equipment for the rapid-response force.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has shifted the priorities of the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (Dip) since taking office earlier this month, according to officials. The emphasis is now on providing kit to frontline troops rather than other areas. Jarvis is also understood to have secured an additional £1 billion for the plan from the Treasury, on top of the £13.5 billion offer that led his predecessor John Healey to resign.
Key Priorities: Warfighting Readiness and Autonomy
The refreshed Dip will focus on two main areas: warfighting readiness and integrated autonomy, including drones, uncrewed vessels, and land vehicles. The £500 million for commandos will partly fund new high-speed commando insertion craft, which can covertly transport troops for operations such as seizing Russian shadow fleet vessels. This follows a recent operation where Royal Marine commandos intercepted the sanctioned tanker Smyrtos in the Channel.
An additional £100 million will be allocated to new technologies like uncrewed vessels, next-generation communications, and strike drones, officials said. The plan also involves working with Norway, a NATO ally, amid increased Russian submarine activity in the High North.
Political Context and Timeline
The Dip was originally due last year but faced delays due to disagreements over funding. Healey quit after the plan offered only £13.5 billion, which he deemed insufficient. Jarvis told the Press Association that “real progress” had been made and he was working to “get it right” before the expected publication before July 7, ahead of the NATO summit.
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pressing ahead with the publication despite a broader pause on policy and spending commitments during the transition of power. This could cause friction with his likely successor, Andy Burnham, who may want final say on military funding. Jarvis publicly backed Burnham as the next prime minister, praising his understanding of national security.
“The defence investment plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world,” Jarvis added.
