Sir Keir Starmer's administration has unveiled a £15 billion Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which critics are labeling as 'half-measures' that fail to adequately fund the Armed Forces. The plan, which has been long-delayed, has also drawn criticism for not setting a firm date for increasing defense spending to 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), instead stating it would occur 'sometime in the next parliament.'
This omission has been particularly seized upon by former Defence Secretary John Healey, who resigned earlier this month in protest of the plan. Senior sources have accused Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of employing "Treasury tricks" to make the announced £15 billion appear as an increase over previous offers. While defense officials maintain there has been a genuine £1.5 billion uplift following Healey's resignation, a senior source suggested the package amounts to £11.5 billion in cash and £3.5 billion in buying power.
The DIP outlines a total investment of £298 billion over the next four years, including allocations for strengthening the UK's nuclear deterrent, upgrading naval bases, increasing munitions stockpiles, and developing next-generation fighter jets. Funding also includes £5 billion over four years for drones and a 12% increase in the Special Forces budget. The plan is projected to create nearly 60,000 additional UK jobs by 2030.
Despite these allocations, critics argue that the spending levels still fall short of what military leaders and some Members of Parliament deem necessary, especially in light of the threat posed by Russia. By 2030, the UK is expected to spend 2.7% of its GDP on defense, a proportion that, while higher than in recent decades, is still considered insufficient by some. Allies like Germany anticipate reaching the NATO target of 3.5% of GDP by 2030, while Poland and Baltic states are reportedly spending over 4%.
Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who resigned shortly after Healey, has criticized the DIP as "unfit for purpose" and failing to acknowledge the evolving nature of warfare, particularly the significant role of drones, which he argues should have been a higher priority. He is expected to challenge the £5 billion allocated to drone capabilities in a House of Commons debate.
Former Conservative Defence Secretary Ben Wallace echoed these sentiments, stating that the plan represents "half measures" and that the government has "chosen to put benefits before bullets." The DIP aims to pivot towards greater autonomy across military services, with plans to phase in uncrewed and autonomous systems alongside crewed platforms.
The plan will be presented by Starmer at the upcoming NATO summit, where he may face scrutiny from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has insisted that allies increase their defense spending to ensure U.S. commitment to European security.
Sir Keir Starmer stated that the funding for defense was achieved by reallocating resources from road and energy projects, emphasizing that these were "necessary choices" to protect the nation. The DIP also includes significant investments in space capabilities, cyber warfare, and homeland air and missile defense systems. An overhaul of naval bases at Faslane, Portsmouth, and Devonport, dubbed 'Project Royal Oak,' is also part of the plan.
Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis affirmed that the DIP secures more money and involves different choices, signaling a commitment to new technologies and autonomous systems, and sending a clear message to allies and adversaries about Britain's increased focus on security.