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UK's long-awaited Defence Plan allocates PS5 Billion to Drones

The UK will announce its long-delayed Defense Investing Plan on Tuesday. Priority is given to drones, with a particular focus on autonomous systems. This investment will help to'modernise and strengthen?its depleted military forces in a period of increasing threats.

The blueprint was subject to last-minute debate after John Healey, the former defence minister, resigned this month. Healey had criticized Keir starmer for his inability to raise funds to protect the country from threats.

Starmer has said that he too will quit. His successor is likely to be in office within a few weeks. This makes the DIP the last policy announcement of the Prime Minister.

Plan Focuses on Technology for Modern Warfare

According to a Monday statement, his plan will be centered on unmanned ships, unmanned submarines and autonomous systems, focusing on technology rather than warships to reflect the reality?of modern warfare as seen in Ukraine.

Starmer stated that "this game-changing investment" will strengthen our Armed Forces before a major address?on Tuesday, when the plan is published in its entirety.

After a 2025 defence review, he has pledged to increase defence spending from 2.6% to 3% in the next Parliament.

Defence chiefs have said that there will still be a PS28 billion funding gap in the next four-year period. The government's statement didn't provide any details on how the DIP plans to fill the shortfall. This is closely monitored by the industry.

DRONE WARFARE

Former British Army Major Dan Jarvis is Britain's new Defence Minister. He said that uncrewed system defined modern warfare. The DIP, which he helped to reshape over the past few weeks, will ensure that soldiers receive what they need quicker.

Ukraine uses 200,000 drones per month in its "war" against Russia. Technology innovations are made in weeks and not in years, as was the case with the large platforms that were the hallmark of British security during the post-Cold War period.

Companies say that the nine-month delay has hindered investment in an industry that should be on the rise. It has also led to private criticism abroad about whether Britain is willing or capable of increasing defence spending.

Starmer will be attending the NATO summit from 7 to 8 July in Ankara, alongside U.S. president Donald Trump and other alliance leaders. This is at a moment when Europe struggles to accept the U.S. shift away from its protection.

After an Iranian drone smashed into its airbase in Cyprus, Britain was left vulnerable.

Jarvis announced that Jarvis would also be introducing new high-speed boats to the commandos. (Reporting and editing by William Maclean, Sarah Young and Elizabeth Piper)

(source: Reuters)