Government announces £5 billion investment in new defence technology

A total of £5 billion will be invested in new defence technologies including drones and laser weapons, the government has announced. Of this, £2 billion is new funding that forms part of the government's plan to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, announced back in February.

This development comes just one day after the publication of the  Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which will chart the course for the next decade of defence innovation. The SDR emphasises the importance of harnessing data and digital transformation to create robust defence systems.

The package includes £4 billion for autonomous defence systems, including drones. Once activated, these systems can operate themselves without human intervention, using AI to detect targets. These systems were recommended as an immediate priority in the SDR. 

An additional £1 billion is being spent on Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). These weapons identify targets and then emit laser, microwaves or radio waves to destroy the them, rather than a solid projectile.

There are two benefits to these systems, they both reduce costs by removing the need to purchase ammunition and they provide a more targeted approach, reducing unintended damage. This include the DragonFire, a laser weapon for the navy currently under development in the UK.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: "these investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world."

An economic success story

The SDR intends to address what the government calls the historic "hollowing out" of the armed forces by encouraging further investment in defence and driving employment. 

The improvement of autonomous systems is expected to boost UK export potential while the deployment of more DEW weapons will create 300 skilled jobs, both within the Ministry of Defence and Industry partners. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, was keen to emphasise the economic benefits of digitally transforming defence saying: "a strong economy needs a strong national defence."

She added that "additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe."

Strengthening the UK's global position

As part of the SDR, the UK is looking to be an innovative leader in a strong NATO, a response to the ongoing threat to Europe from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  

Healey added that the government "are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops."