The UK government is set to invest £298 billion in defence over the next four years, as outlined in the Defence Investment Plan. Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, highlighted this commitment during a speech at DVD 26 on 16 September 2026, emphasising the importance of strengthening the land domain.
The investment aims to re-arm and reindustrialise the UK, with the land domain identified as a cornerstone of national deterrence and an engine for economic growth. The Minister noted that increased defence spending with British companies creates jobs and boosts industrial capacity.
Key modernisation programmes include £190 million for short-range ballistic missiles, £400 million for one-way attack drones, and £220 million for Project Nyx, which will develop advanced armed autonomous drones. Additionally, £4.4 billion is allocated to the Boxer, Ajax, and Challenger programmes, and £370 million for Project Asgard, which is being rolled out to more parts of the British Army after proving effective in Estonia.
The government is also reforming defence procurement to be faster, aiming to accelerate the delivery of kit and equipment to the British Army and ensure greater value for the increased spending. These efforts are intended to deliver a generational upgrade in the British Army's abilities, particularly in targeting, battlefield surveillance, and long-range fire.