Defence Investment Plan (Government Statement)

Defence Investment Plan (Government Statement) Government unveils £298 billion Defence Investment Plan

On Tuesday 30 June 2026 the Defence Secretary made a statement to the House of Commons on the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Defence Secretary said the plan would ensure the Armed Forces have the equipment, technology and support they need to meet growing security threats and deliver the ambitions of the Strategic Defence Review. He said it would also enable the United Kingdom to deter adversaries and respond to an increasingly dangerous security environment.

I welcome this significant commitment to strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities. The plan allocates £298 billion over the next four years, including an additional £15 billion beyond last year’s Spending Review settlement. Defence spending is set to increase by 27% in real terms between 2023-24 and 2029-30, alongside a new £50 billion defence export facility to support British defence companies.

I am pleased to note the strong emphasis on preparing the Armed Forces for modern warfare. The plan includes the UK’s largest-ever investment in drone capabilities, enhanced artificial intelligence and digital targeting systems, and investment in cyber and space. It also provides continued funding for the nuclear deterrent, AUKUS – the security pact with Australia and the US – and the Global Combat Air Programme.

I also welcome measures to support service personnel and their families, including three above-inflation pay rises and £9 billion to improve military family housing over the next decade, as well as the Government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament and 3.5% by 2035.

The Defence Investment Plan is an important step to strengthen both the UK’s national security and its defence industrial base, ensuring that the Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to deter adversaries and respond to future threats.