UK Prime Minister Starmer Unveils £300 Billion Defence Plan Emphasizing Drone and Autonomous Systems
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan allocating nearly £300 billion over four years, including a £15 billion increase. The plan emphasizes modernizing the armed forces with a focus on drones, autonomous systems, self-flying jets, and uncrewed submarines to address rising threats, particularly from Russia. Annual defence spending is set to reach nearly £80 billion by 2029, aiming to increase defence expenditure to 2.7% of GDP, with a target of 3.5% by 2035. The plan has faced internal government disputes and ministerial resignations but is positioned as a key legacy of Starmer’s tenure.