UK spending pledge leaves Army programmes out in the cold
Costly and long-running armoured vehicle programmes were conspicuous by their absence from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a multi-year spending boost — but a Boxer production contract gives some cause for optimism.
Major British Army armoured vehicle procurement projects were not mentioned in the biggest UK defence investment programme since the end of the Cold War.
In a statement delivered to the House of Commons on 19 November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a £16.5 billion ($21.8 billion) multi-year settlement that will raise UK defence spending to at least 2.2% of GDP.
‘Equipping our armed forces requires long-term investment and our national security in 20 years time will depend on decisions we take today,’ Johnson claimed.
He emphasised that the army will be reshaped to the age of network warfare in order
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
![UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day]()
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
