Defence Investment Plan Set for Tuesday Release
The long-delayed defence investment plan (DIP) is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, approximately nine months later than initially expected.
Sir Keir Starmer stated that the plan would ensure Britain remains "safe and secure long into the future." The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the DIP includes a £5 billion investment aimed at expanding the Armed Forces' capabilities in drone and autonomous weapons technology.
Earlier this month, the Treasury and No 10 agreed to a £13.5 billion funding increase, which falls significantly short of the £28 billion initially requested by the MoD. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has advocated for additional funding in recent weeks. His predecessor, John Healey, resigned amid disagreements over the funding levels.
The Conservative Party criticized the plan as "too little, too late," while the Liberal Democrats described it as "dangerously short-changed our Armed Forces." Despite his imminent departure from Downing Street, Prime Minister Sir Keir is proceeding with the DIP.
Prolonged negotiations within Whitehall concerning the plan's funding have been ongoing for several months, with various government departments required to implement budget cuts. The dispute has resulted in the resignation of two defence ministers who cited insufficient funding increases in the original plan.
The DIP will also detail how new equipment and defence infrastructure will be financed over the next decade. Originally expected in autumn 2025, the plan's release now coincides with the upcoming NATO leaders summit in Turkey on 7 July.
John Healey resigned earlier this month, stating the DIP was "well short" of what is necessary to protect the UK and fulfill existing spending commitments. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also resigned, criticizing the plan for not being "transformative enough" given the rapidly evolving nature of warfare.
Reports indicate that Dan Jarvis has secured additional funds for the plan. The MoD noted that Jarvis has spent the past two weeks "refocusing" the DIP to incorporate lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Jarvis emphasized the changing nature of warfare, highlighting the role of drones in targeting high-value assets. He stated:
"In Ukraine and the Middle East, uncrewed systems are defining conflicts.
This largest ever UK investment into these evolving technologies will help our Armed Forces stay ahead of our adversaries, backed by the best of our defence industry."
The MoD also announced plans to replace ageing warships with at least six new modern "hybrid" vessels designed to deploy drones.
Sir Keir described the DIP as a "game-changing investment" that will enhance the Armed Forces across land, sea, and air domains.
"Today's defence investment plan will help drive growth across the UK, giving our industrial base the confidence, certainty and support it needs to develop and scale the technologies that will keep our country safe and secure long into the future."
His comments follow warnings from unions and defence companies that continued delays to the DIP pose a "threat" to British jobs, skills, and national security.
Political Reactions and Leadership Implications
Sir Keir's decision to publish the DIP during his final weeks as prime minister may create friction with his successor, who might seek to revise defence spending priorities upon taking office.
The Sunday Times reported that Andy Burnham, the frontrunner expected to succeed Sir Keir next month, has reviewed and approved the DIP, although No 10 declined to confirm this on Monday. Burnham is currently the only candidate officially in the Labour leadership race.
Burnham has previously indicated plans to reduce welfare spending by increasing employment, thereby freeing resources for defence.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge criticized the DIP, stating:
"This plan is not worth the paper it's written on - Keir Starmer is prime minister in name only.
The next prime minister needs to cut welfare and give our armed forces the funding they need to keep Britain safe."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey condemned the funding levels, saying:
"The government has dangerously short-changed our armed forces when they need urgent investment after years of Conservative negligence.
Defence chiefs have been forced to make hard choices, when they should be given what they need."
Context and Strategic Defence Review
The DIP follows the comprehensive Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published in June 2025. The SDR emphasized a shift towards "warfighting readiness" to deter threats and committed billions in additional spending for ammunition, next-generation fast jets, drones, and new attack submarines.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states to present "clear, concrete and credible plans" for increasing defence spending ahead of the summit next month.
The UK government has pledged to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, aligning with NATO commitments.
for our Politics Essential newsletter to read top political analysis, gain insight from across the UK and stay up to speed with the big moments. It'll be delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
