Details of the UK government’s new Defence Investment Plan (DIP) have been revealed ahead of its expected publication before the Nato summit on July 7.
Dramatic changes to the defence strategy reportedly include dropping plans for up to eight Type 83 destroyers and five Type 32 frigates to direct more money towards uncrewed systems.
The UK will increase investment in drones, autonomous surface and underwater vessels, long-range missiles, electronic warfare and AI-enabled systems after conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East highlighted their growing importance.
Officials say Dan Jarvis has also “shifted” the focus of spending in the DIP since he became Defence Secretary towards providing kit to troops on the front line.
He is understood to have secured around £1 billion extra for the plan in negotiations with the Treasury, on top of the £13.5 billion offer that prompted his predecessor John Healey to resign.
