UK Pledges £15 Billion Defence Boost

The long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, published on Tuesday, outlines the UK’s goal to reach 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035 and includes the largest-ever investment in drone warfare.

However, the plan also phases out older equipment such as Storm Shadow cruise missiles and dozens of helicopters, drawing backlash from some military chiefs.

A £4.7 billion funding gap remains, and critics note that the spending pledges will impose difficult choices on the next government.

The announcement came as Starmer seeks to demonstrate resolve ahead of next week’s NATO summit.