The UK's air superiority hangs in the balance as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting unveils a £298 billion commitment over the next four years, aiming to reassert British dominance amidst a rapidly changing global security landscape. In a keynote address at the AGF Defence Summit within Farnborough International Air Show on 22 July 2026, Mr Streeting stressed that the investment is crucial for equipping the UK with necessary capabilities in an era of increasing aerial threats.
Mr Streeting acknowledged the challenges faced during the development of the new Defence Investment Plan (DIP), thanking industry partners for their perseverance. He reinforced his role as ensuring national safety, stating his duty to "maximise our deterrence and ensure that should deterrence fail, we have the capability to fight and to win." This investment is vital in equipping the Armed Forces with cutting-edge technology.
The Defence Secretary drew a stark contrast between Britain's past unchallenged air power and its current reality, citing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East where even air superiority fails to prevent significant disruption. Mr Streeting highlighted that air dominance is no longer automatic but must be earned through strategic investment and innovation. He cited international calls for European nations, including a call from former US President Trump, to increase their defence burden, aligning with the UK's long-standing leadership in defence spending.
The recent NATO summit saw all member states reaffirm their commitment to dedicating 3.5% of their GDP to defence by 2035, a target supported by the new investment plan. Mr Streeting stressed that this investment not only bolsters national security but also drives jobs, fosters growth in every region and contributes to re-industrialisation, echoing the Prime Minister's vision for defence.
The speech at Farnborough serves as a powerful declaration of intent from the new Defence Secretary, signalling a renewed focus on military capability and technological advancement. The government hopes this clarity and confidence in defence spending will positively impact investment decisions within the defence industry.