UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Plan to Make Britain ‘War Ready’ — Defense Spending Targeted at 2.5% to 3% of GDP

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Plan to Make Britain ‘War Ready’ — Defense Spending Targeted at 2.5% to 3% of GDP
London, June 2, 2025

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today announced the launch of a new Strategic Defence Review aimed at preparing the country to be “ready for war.” However, he stopped short of making a firm commitment to raising defense spending to 3% of GDP.

Strategic Intent with Fiscal Caution

Starmer stated that, in light of growing global threats—particularly from states like Russia, Iran, and North Korea—the UK must be prepared. Still, he declined to set a specific timeline for reaching the 3% defense spending target, saying it would depend on Labour’s fiscal discipline rules.

“I can't commit to a specific date,” Starmer said on BBC Radio 4.

Key Points of the Announced Defense Plan:

• Construction of 12 new nuclear attack submarines

• £1.5 billion investment to build six new munitions factories

• Plans to equip British fighter jets with nuclear strike capability

• Increase in military personnel, though exact numbers are deferred to the next Parliament

• Over £1.5 billion in additional support for military families

Ambition or Commitment?

Defense Secretary John Healey recently suggested the UK was moving toward the 3% target. However, in his latest comments, he referred to it as an “ambition.”
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard also avoided confirming a firm pledge, saying:

“The target is to reach 2.5% by April 2027 and aim for 3% in the next Parliament, provided the economy allows.”

AUKUS and Military Investments

Under the AUKUS defense partnership with Australia and the United States, the UK has already committed to building 12 nuclear submarines—an investment of £15 billion. These submarines are expected to become operational in the latter half of the 2030s.

Expert Opinions and Criticism

In a joint op-ed published in The Telegraph, Lord Robertson, Russia expert Fiona Hill, and General Sir Richard Barrons wrote:

“Spending 3% of GDP on defense is essential for the success of this plan.”

However, the Conservative Party criticized Labour’s lack of a clear financial commitment. Party spokesperson James Cartlidge commented:

“This submarine plan is nothing but fantasy—with no real funding behind it. John Healey has been pressured by the Treasury and is now forced to backpedal.”

Global Context: NATO and Trump Pressure

Meanwhile, the upcoming NATO summit is pushing member states to reach 3.5% of GDP in defense spending by 2032. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has added pressure by calling on allies to spend as much as 5%.

With this announcement, the UK signals an ambition to enhance its defense posture while balancing economic realities—a dual strategy that will face both political scrutiny at home and international expectations abroad. Only time will tell how successfully this balance is maintained.