UK to invest £2bn in drones to make army ‘10 times more lethal’

Strategic defence review will make Britain ‘battle-ready’, says Keir Starmer

Britain will spend an extra £2bn on drones and seek to introduce weapons and tactics developed during the war in Ukraine under a strategic defence review unveiled by the government.

The plan will prioritise cheap one-way attack craft and more expensive reusable systems, as well as the creation of a drone centre to share knowledge and better coordinate across the armed forces.

Explore the possibility of reintroducing air-launched nuclear weapons by discussing with the US and Nato the possibility of buying F-35A fighters equipped with US B61-12 bombs.

Spending £15bn to develop new submarine-launched nuclear warheads – and committing to build 12 nuclear-powered attack submarines in Derby and Barrow, starting in the 2030s.

Investing £1bn in air and missile defence, £6bn on munitions during this parliament and opening at least six weapons factories to increase military stockpiles, which currently may last only a few days in a crisis.

Developing a home guard, modelled on the army reserves, to ensure the protection of airports, communications sites and other parts of the critical national infrastructure in a major crisis.