UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
UK defence spending is set to reach £57.1 billion in the next financial year. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
The UK government is to spend an additional £2.9 billion (US$3.8 billion) on defence in the next financial year as part of an effort to reach a target of spending 2.5% of GDP in the medium term.
The UK’s defence budget for the 2023/24 FY was £54.2 billion and this increase takes spending to £57.1 billion and 2.3% of GDP.
The budget is the first by a Labour government after 14 years of Conservative rule but does not include specific spending commitments as there is an ongoing Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which is expected to be completed in the first half of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
