Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £15 billion (US$20 billion) plan to modernise Britain's depleted armed forces by 2029. The outgoing Prime Minister, who leaves office later in July, intends for this long-delayed investment to prepare the military for the wars of the future and serve as his legacy.
The announcement follows months of wrangling within the government over the resources required to modernise the armed forces in the face of rising threats, including those from Russia. Starmer stated that the country is moving to buttress its defense industry to address a more dangerous and volatile world.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the investment plan will set out how billions will be spent on equipping the UK Armed Forces. This includes more than £5 billion allocated for drones and autonomous systems over four years.
Starmer expressed confidence that his likely successor, Andy Burnham, will maintain the UK’s commitment to defense as these modernisation efforts proceed.