The United Kingdom will increase its defense spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2030

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, announced on Tuesday in Warsaw that the country’s national defense budget will be increased to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This decision, which represents the biggest boost to national defense in a generation, will result in annual spending of approximately 90 billion euros by the end of the decade.

During his official trip to Warsaw, Sunak held a press conference where he revealed this information. He also met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and had a meeting with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, to discuss allied cooperation in support of Ukraine.

Sunak emphasized that this increase is necessary in an increasingly dangerous world, with assertive actors such as North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China. He assured that the plan is fully funded.

A significant portion of the budget will be allocated to replenishing the ammunition arsenals of the British Army and implementing radical reforms in the defense industry’s production model. According to NATO data, the United Kingdom spent 2.07% of GDP on Defense last year.

Sunak stated, “Today we are at a turning point for European security, and it is a crucial moment in the defense of the United Kingdom.” He believes that this investment will bring prosperity and security to the country, making it safer internally and stronger externally.

Stoltenberg, in the same press conference, acknowledged that the increased military spending will make a difference in the world and confirm the United Kingdom’s leadership role in the Atlantic Alliance.

A radical reform of the Armed Forces

The Defense sector will receive an additional €87.18 billion over six years, ensuring that the United Kingdom remains the second-largest spender in NATO for defense, surpassed only by the United States and ahead of Germany.

Sunak’s plan also aims to bolster the UK’s defense industry by investing at least an additional €11.6 billion in ammunition production over the next decade. This investment will generate jobs and stimulate the economy across the country while ensuring a rapid production capacity and ammunition stockpiles for the Next Generation.

Additionally, Sunak intends to modernize the Armed Forces through a radical reform of defense procurement and the creation of a new Innovation Agency. This will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of modern warfare technology, with at least 5% of the Defense budget allocated to research and development.

In parallel, the United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The military aid package for Ukraine has been approved and will amount to €580 million, including long-range guided missile systems and other military equipment.

The British Prime Minister’s announcement underscores the commitment of the United Kingdom to strengthen its defense capabilities, adapt to the changing global security landscape, and support its allies in defending shared values.