UK to Spend Record £300bn on Defence Modernisation

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London: Britain will invest nearly £300 billion in defence over the next four years, including an extra £15 billion by 2030, under a new plan unveiled by outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to modernise the country's armed forces.

The Defence Investment Plan allocates more than £5 billion for drones and autonomous systems, reflecting the growing role of unmanned technology in modern warfare. The government also plans to replace its ageing destroyers with at least six hybrid warships combining crewed and uncrewed capabilities from the early 2030s.

Starmer said the investment would strengthen national security and raise defence spending to 4.2% of GDP. However, critics argued the additional funding falls short of military requirements.

The announcement comes as Starmer prepares to leave office next month after losing the support of Labour MPs. His government has faced criticism over the plan, with two defence ministers resigning earlier this month over concerns that the proposed funding was inadequate.

Pic Credit: AFP