New statistics released today, 3 September 2026, indicate that the UK Armed Forces have experienced a year-long period where more individuals joined than left. This marks the longest continuous improvement in recruitment and retention since 2021.
The Regular strength of all three services increased over the past year. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines saw an increase of 440 personnel, the Army grew by 170, and the RAF added 840. Overall, there was a net gain of 1,460 personnel in the year leading up to 30 June 2026.
The number of full-time military personnel available for Defence operations rose by 1,450 since 1 July 2025. Additionally, the number of fully trained personnel available for operations increased for the third consecutive quarter, including the first rise in Army trade-trained strength since late 2021.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the progress, attributing it to pay rises, £9 billion in funding for forces housing, and recruitment and retention reforms implemented since 2024. Measures include a cumulative 14.1% pay rise since July 2024, ensuring all full-time personnel earn at least the National Living Wage, and the scrapping of over 100 outdated recruitment policies.