UK defense spending grew by 14% between 2012 and 2022, but London's geopolitical competitors have further increased the level of funding for their military sector. This is reported by The Times, according to UNN.
Details
According to the publication, defense spending in Iran, China and Russia increased by 57%, 60% and 34%, respectively, over the period.
It is noted that in October, the UK Ministry of Finance approved the allocation of 56.9 billion pounds ($71.3 billion) for military needs for the next year, which is half the amount of the russian Federation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that London intends to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. However, he did not specify by what date this goal is to be achieved.
It is expected that specifics on this issue will appear next spring after the publication of a review document on the state of combat capability of the British Armed Forces, which is being developed by a group of experts led by former NATO Secretary General (1999-2003) George Robertson
Currently, the kingdom's military spending is about 2.3%.
Recall
British Minister for Veterans Affairs Alistair Carnes warned of possible significant losses of the British army in the event of a large-scale war. According to him, the current army of 72,510 servicemen needs to quickly build up reserves.