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The long-awaited military spending plan is set to be published on Tuesday, with Sir Keir Starmer emphasizing its role in keeping the UK “safe and secure long into the future.” The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed that the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will include £5 billion specifically allocated to enhancing the Armed Forces’ capabilities with drones and autonomous weaponry.
This new funding package follows an agreement earlier this month between the Treasury and No 10, which settled on a £13.5 billion increase—significantly less than the £28 billion requested by the MoD. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, who took office after John Healey resigned amid disputes over the funding levels, has recently lobbied for increased resources. Critics from the Conservative Party have labeled the plan as “too little, too late,” while the Liberal Democrats argue it leaves the Armed Forces dangerously underfunded.
Ahead of the full DIP release, some key highlights were shared. These include the UK Armed Forces receiving the “largest ever drone investment,” amounting to £5 billion over four years to build an integrated drone force. The Royal Navy intends to transition toward a “hybrid navy,” combining AI and self-controlled vessels with conventional warships and aircraft, with funding allocated for six new warships. The British Army will gain £50 million to support drone operations and the development of uncrewed vehicles. Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force plans to introduce autonomous fighter jets and bring an uncrewed electronic warfare drone system into service by 2026. Additionally, funds will support “Europe’s biggest drone testing centre,” the Uncrewed Systems Centre in Swindon, and a dedicated task force focused on autonomous technology development.
Despite Sir Keir’s approaching departure from Downing Street, he remains committed to pushing the DIP forward. Negotiations on financing the plan have been fraught with tension, involving government-wide spending cuts, and have already led to two defence ministers stepping down, criticizing the funding uplift as inadequate. The DIP will also outline how new defence equipment and infrastructure will be financed in the coming decade. Originally expected in autumn 2025, its release now comes just ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey on 7 July.
In the face of rapidly evolving conflicts, Jarvis has emphasized the shifting nature of warfare, highlighting drone use in Ukraine and the Middle East. He stated, “In Ukraine and the Middle East, uncrewed systems are defining conflicts.” He added, “This largest ever UK investment into these evolving technologies will help our Armed Forces stay ahead of our adversaries, backed by the best of our defence industry.” The MoD announced plans to scrap proposals to replace ageing warships in favor of constructing six new modern “hybrid” vessels equipped for drone deployment.
Sir Keir described the DIP as a “game-changing investment” that will bolster the Armed Forces across land, sea, and air while providing certainty to the UK’s industrial base to develop and scale key technologies for future security. His comments come amid warnings from unions and defence firms that delays to the DIP threaten British jobs, skills, and national security.
The publication of the DIP during Sir Keir’s final weeks as prime minister may prompt friction with his expected successor, Andy Burnham, who has reportedly reviewed and approved the plan, although official confirmation from No 10 remains absent. Burnham, the sole candidate in the Labour leadership race so far, has expressed intentions to cut welfare costs by encouraging employment as a means to fund defence priorities.
Opposition voices have criticized the timing and substance of the DIP. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge accused Sir Keir of rushing the plan to secure a legacy, stating, “This plan is not worth the paper it’s written on – Keir Starmer is prime minister in name only.” Cartlidge insisted that the next prime minister must reduce welfare spending to adequately fund the military. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey lamented that the government had “dangerously short-changed our armed forces when they need urgent investment after years of Conservative negligence” and called for defence chiefs to receive the necessary support.
The DIP follows the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published in June 2025, which shifted focus toward “warfighting readiness” and pledged billions for ammunition, next-generation fast jets, drones, and attack submarines. NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte has urged member states to present “clear, concrete and credible plans” for increasing defence spending ahead of the upcoming summit. In line with NATO commitments, the UK government has pledged to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035
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