UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy highlights plans to invest in Dreadnought submarines. (Image: Crown Copyright)
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.
Ahead of the NATO Summit on 24–25 June in The Hague, both Germany and the UK outlined plans to massively increase defence spending with the latter also releasing its National Security Strategy (NSS) 2025.
Under future spending plans the UK is committing to spending 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. Germany released its draft budget with defence spending of €95 billion (US$110.3 billion) in 2025 increasing to €162 billion in 2029 backed by newly allowed debt exemption for defence spending.
The UK’s NSS reiterates many of the points made in the SDR such as NATO-first but not NATO-only policy, along
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform]()
Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform
Singapore spends about 3.5% of GDP on defence and the section’s budget sits on high on the proportion of national spending. The country is investing in uncrewed technology, medium- and long-range fires and new submarines and ships with the hunt also on for new maritime patrol aircraft.
-
![World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026]()
World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026
At this year's IDEF in Istanbul, Shephard spoke to World Defense Show (WDS) CEO Andrew Pearcey about his event's strategic role in Saudi Arabia, its themes and new features for 2026 and how it has grown since its launch in 2022.
-
![Ireland to increase defence capital spending by more than half to $2 billion]()
Ireland to increase defence capital spending by more than half to $2 billion
Ireland has struggled to meet its defence needs in the face of historical underinvestment, current limited funding and its status as a neutral country. Flush with bonus but possibly unreliable tax receipts, the government has committed additional defence capital spending for the rest of the decade.
-
![France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend]()
France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend
The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.
