UK to spend £2bn on drones, AI and new tech in defence review aiming to make army vastly stronger
The UK government has announced a bold new strategic defence review that includes a £2 billion investment in drones, aiming to make the British Army “10 times more lethal,” Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs.
The plan focuses on integrating advanced drone technology and artificial intelligence with traditional heavy weapons like tanks and artillery, ushering in a new era of battlefield capability inspired by lessons from the war in Ukraine.
Keir Starmer, on a visit to the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow, described the review as a blueprint to make Britain “battle-ready” amid rising global threats. He emphasised that defence spending must take priority over other public services to ensure national security.
Drones have dramatically changed modern warfare, with the conflict in Ukraine showcasing the devastating impact of attack and surveillance drones used several miles beyond frontlines. Kyiv recently launched long-range drone strikes inside Russia, reportedly destroying dozens of aircraft.
The strategic review highlights drones as “an essential component of land warfare.” It pledges investment in a variety of drone types — from low-cost, single-use attack craft to sophisticated reusable models — alongside counter-drone technologies. The government will also create a drone centre to improve coordination and knowledge-sharing across all armed forces branches.
However, critics warn that expanding drone use may raise the risk of conflict. Chris Cole of Drone Wars UK said drones “lower the threshold for armed force,” potentially making war a quicker, easier option for governments.
Starmer’s 140-page defence review sets a target of increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a further rise to 3% promised in the next parliament but without a fixed timetable. The prime minister dismissed calls for a precise date, cautioning against “performative fantasy politics.”
The review states the UK faces “multiple, direct threats” for the first time since the Cold War’s end, requiring it to be ready not just to deter but to fight and win future conflicts. It acknowledges that rebuilding the armed forces will take around a decade at current budget levels, but admits faster progress may be needed given current global turbulence.
Plans include expanding the army from 73,000 to 76,000 troops as soon as funding allows. The immediate priority is reversing recent falls in personnel, which hit a low of 70,860 last week.
Additional commitments include exploring the possibility of reintroducing air-launched nuclear weapons by negotiating with the US and NATO to acquire F-35A jets equipped with the latest B61-12 nuclear bombs. The review also allocates £15 billion to develop new submarine-launched nuclear warheads and commits to building 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines starting in the 2030s.
Defence spending on air and missile defence will reach £1 billion, while £6 billion will be dedicated to munitions this parliament. At least six new weapons factories will open to address critical shortages — current stockpiles could last only days in a serious crisis.
A new home guard, modelled on army reserves, will protect vital infrastructure such as airports and communications sites in emergencies, boosting national resilience.
Labour’s commitment to these defence ambitions has drawn criticism from the Conservative opposition. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge accused Starmer of lacking a concrete funding plan, blaming the Treasury for the absence of a firm date to meet the 3% GDP spending target.
Starmer is set to attend a NATO summit this month where members are expected to back proposals to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, plus an additional 1.5% for cyber and infrastructure. This follows pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has called for NATO budgets to reach 5%, even as America signals a reduced military focus on Europe.
As the global security landscape shifts, Britain’s new strategic defence review sets an ambitious course to modernise its armed forces and maintain its role on the world stage, aiming to become faster, smarter, and more lethal in the face of growing threats.
SKY NEWS
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) warns of rising threats from nuclear powers Russia and China, urging the country to become fully “battle-ready.” Commissioned by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the review says current forces are underprepared, with low morale and weapon shortages. It proposes boosting the Army by 3,000 troops and increasing lethality using drones, AI, robots, and lasers. Volunteer reserves are set to expand by 20% in the 2030s, and a “gap year” scheme will offer military experience to young people. The review also suggests reviving a veteran strategic reserve for crises and buying warplanes capable of carrying US nuclear bombs to strengthen NATO ties. Investment plans include long-range weapons, submarines, cyber warfare, and up to £1bn for air and missile defence. Defence spending is expected to rise from 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027, with hopes to reach 3% by 2034. Russia is described as an immediate threat, while China poses a persistent challenge with an expanding nuclear arsenal.
