UK unveils long-delayed defence plan with £5 billion for drones, but funding row lingers

Delayed plan finally unveiled

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) was published on Tuesday after nine months of delay. Originally due in autumn 2025, the document outlines how the UK will allocate rising military budgets. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in one of his final acts before stepping down, said the plan would ensure "cutting-edge capabilities" to deter evolving threats.

“This game-changing investment will strengthen our Armed Forces.”

Drones and autonomous systems take centre stage

The plan allocates £5 billion to drone and autonomous systems across the armed forces. The Royal Navy will become a "hybrid navy", combining uncrewed vessels with traditional warships. At least six new "Common Combat Vessels" will serve as command hubs for drones. The Army will acquire up to 24 autonomous armed drones and uncrewed ground vehicles, while the RAF develops pilotless fighter jets to fly alongside crewed aircraft.

Funding row and political upheaval

The DIP emerges from a fierce funding dispute. Former Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on 11 June, accusing the government of failing to provide sufficient resources. Healey demanded defence spending reach 3% of GDP by 2030, but the plan raises it to only 2.68% by the end of the decade. The Treasury initially offered £13.5 billion over four years, far less than the £28 billion the Ministry of Defence sought. Dan Jarvis, Healey’s successor, secured a modest increase, but the final figure remains billions short.

“The government is unwilling to spend enough on the military at a time of rising threats.”

Political reactions ahead of NATO summit

Opposition parties dismissed the plan. Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge called it "too little, too late", while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said it "dangerously short-changed our armed forces". The DIP is published just days before the NATO summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, where allies including US President Donald Trump are expected to press the UK to meet NATO spending targets.

Treasury offer13.5

MoD request28

Treasury offer

13.5 £ billion

MoD request

28 £ billion

Data from the article text