The United Kingdom plans to significantly increase investments in drones and artificial intelligence technologies as part of a new defense strategy aimed at preparing the armed forces for modern warfare. This was reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has already announced his resignation, is expected to present a defense investment plan on Tuesday that includes allocating £5 billion for the development of unmanned systems over the next four years. According to the agency, this will be the UK's largest investment in such technologies.
The nature of warfare is changing rapidly. In Ukraine and the Middle East, unmanned systems are defining conflicts. These largest investments in UK history in these evolving technologies will help our Armed Forces stay ahead of our adversaries
Some defense programs will be postponed
According to Bloomberg, the document also provides funding for long-term projects, including the GCAP fighter program, AUKUS submarines, and nuclear deterrence. At the same time, due to budget constraints, the government plans to abandon the construction of Type 83 destroyers, postpone the purchase of 12 F-35A fighters, and slow down the recruitment of cadets and the modernization of military housing.
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Agency sources reported that the Treasury has agreed to allocate approximately £15 billion in additional funding to the Ministry of Defence, although the total funding shortfall is estimated at around £28 billion.
The opposition Conservative Party has already criticized the upcoming plan, calling it "too insufficient and too late," while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the government is "dangerously underestimating our armed forces."
According to Bloomberg, the government is also continuing to discuss the possibility of accelerating the growth of defense spending, but currently does not plan to reach the level of 3% of GDP by 2030. Instead, further increases in funding may be considered during the next review of public spending.