Sunak Reveals Plans to Raise Defence Spending to 2.5 Percent by 2030
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has described it as the most significant rise in defence spending in a generation, promising an extra £75 billion over the next six years.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed the UK to spending 2.5 percent of its GDP on defence by 2030, marking the largest increase in defence spending in a generation.
During a visit to Poland on Tuesday, the prime minister confirmed the additional £75 billion earmarked for the defence budget over the next six years, cautioning that the world is currently facing its most perilous situation since the end of the Cold War.
In an address alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Mr. Sunak emphasized the need for increased vigilance, stating, “we must be proactive as our adversaries collaborate, necessitating a stronger defense of our nation, interests, and principles.
“Thus, I have announced today the most substantial reinforcement of our national defense in a generation. By 2030, we plan to boost defense spending to a new baseline of 2.5% of GDP—a measure that will provide an additional £75 billion for defense by the end of the decade, securing our position as the predominant defense power in Europe.”
The prime minister further stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment for European security and a significant step in safeguarding the United Kingdom. It represents a long-term investment in British security and prosperity, enhancing our safety domestically and influence globally.”
Autocratic States Rallying Together
The prime minister’s office alerted that an “axis of autocratic states” including China, Russia, and Iran are increasingly collaborating, posing a direct threat to the UK, Europe, and the wider global community.
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The office stressed the necessity of the increase in defense spending, as adversaries in the West are also expanding their military capabilities, exemplified by Iran’s deployment of Shahed attack drones against Israel recently.
The government outlined plans to invest a minimum of an extra £10 million over the next decade in munitions production to ensure rapid manufacturing capacity and munitions stockpiles. This funding is intended to create new employment opportunities and ensure readiness for conflict.
The government will also overhaul defense procurement processes to stay at the forefront of modern warfare technologies.
Commitment to Ukraine’s Security
The UK has also pledged its support to Ukraine’s defense, with the prime minister’s office stating, “Ukraine’s security is our security.”
Mr. Sunak has promised an additional £500 million this year for munitions, air defense, and drones to be supplied to Ukraine.
Furthermore, the UK will dispatch its largest-ever single shipment of resources to Ukraine, including 60 boats, over 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, more than 400 vehicles, and almost four million rounds of small arms ammunition.
The prime minister has assured that this level of aid to Kyiv will be maintained for however long necessary, according to the government.
“It is essential for our security and that of all of Europe to defend Ukraine against Russia’s aggressive intentions. Allowing Putin to succeed in this act of aggression would not confine his reach to the Polish borders,” stated the prime minister.
Preparation for Conflict
In recent months, numerous prominent figures in the military, government, and intelligence community have advocated for the UK and Europe to be ready for a state of conflict.
Sir Alex emphasized that readiness for conflict serves as a deterrent against aggressive foreign actors, cautioning that we do not inhabit a “naturally safer world where democracy is inherently secure.”
“There seems to be a prevailing notion that the advantages and values inherent to our nation do not require defense and are somehow innate. I fear we may be in for a harsh reality check. Conversely, should we choose to defend them, the necessity to do so likely diminishes,” he remarked.
