Britain on Tuesday unveiled a long-awaited defence investment plan that puts drones, autonomous fighter aircraft and uncrewed submarines at the heart of its future military strategy, reflecting how modern warfare is increasingly being shaped by advanced technology.
The plan comes after months of delays caused by disagreements between military leaders and Treasury officials over defence funding. Like many NATO members, Britain is facing growing pressure to boost military spending in response to Russia's increasingly aggressive actions and concerns over long-term US security commitments.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the strategy is designed to prepare Britain for what he described as "a more dangerous and volatile world than at any time for decades."
However, the plan stops short of committing to raise defence spending to 3% of the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, a key issue that contributed to the resignation of former Defence Secretary John Healey on June 11.
Healey had criticised the government for not investing enough in the armed forces despite growing security threats. Referring to British intelligence assessments, he warned that Russia could be in a position to attack a NATO member by 2030. He said the Treasury's proposal would increase defence spending to only 2.68% of GDP by 2030, after reaching 2.6% next year.
Starmer said new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis had revised and strengthened the investment plan. The updated proposal includes £15 billion (about $20 billion) in new spending, higher than the £13.5 billion previously offered but still well below the £28 billion defence officials had sought.
The prime minister said Britain would reach the 3% spending target during the next parliamentary term, which could run until 2034.
He said the investment would ensure British armed forces have the advanced capabilities needed to respond to evolving security threats and protect the country. The full defence plan is scheduled for publication later on Tuesday.
The roadmap also outlines how Britain intends to increase defence spending to NATO's target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035 as it seeks to rebuild military strength after years of budget pressures.
Britain has closely studied the war in Ukraine, where drones have become a key part of the battlefield. Ukrainian forces are estimated to use around 200,000 drones every month to defend against Russian attacks.
As part of the new strategy, Britain plans to invest billions of pounds in drone technology across the army, navy and air force. Instead of building a planned fleet of new destroyers, the Royal Navy will develop hybrid ships that can serve as command centres for drone operations.
Speaking at a drone manufacturing facility near London, Starmer said the nature of warfare is changing rapidly. He pointed to Ukraine's use of advanced technology to damage Russia's Black Sea Fleet, carry out strikes deep inside Russian territory and slow the advance of one of the world's largest armies.
Britain's defence review also comes as US President Donald Trump continues urging NATO allies to spend more on defence. Trump has repeatedly argued that European countries should contribute more to their own security instead of relying heavily on the United States.
The defence plan is expected to remain a major issue after Starmer leaves office. Following the recent resignations of Healey and junior Defence Minister Al Carns, Starmer announced last week that he would step down as prime minister. He is expected to attend the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8 before leaving office.
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer, is expected to face pressure to maintain the defence commitments outlined in the new strategy.
Opposition Conservative Party defence spokesperson James Cartlidge criticised the plan, calling it "too little, too late."
He said the review was nearly a year overdue and accused Starmer of pushing it through in an effort to secure a political legacy.