Britain unveils its new Ukraine-modeled armed forces

Key Points:

• The U.K. is launching a major Defense Investment Plan (DIP) inspired by Ukraine’s war experience, focusing on affordable systems that can rapidly target high-value assets and emphasizing fast innovation cycles.
• Traditional reliance on large naval vessels like aircraft carriers and submarines is being reduced, with no new funding for eight planned missile destroyers and frigates; instead, investment will shift to unmanned vessels and drones, mirroring Ukraine’s successful use of such technologies.
• The Royal Air Force will develop autonomous jets through a national Collaborative Combat Air program, part of an international effort to create sixth-generation fighter aircraft that operate alongside manned planes.
• The plan includes a £5 billion investment in drone capabilities, establishing Europe’s largest drone testing center and a task force to scale drone production, reflecting the critical role drones played in Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
• Although the DIP adds about £15 billion to the defense budget, the U.K. is still behind some NATO allies in defense spending and has yet to commit to a clear path for meeting the alliance’s 3.5% GDP defense spending target by 2035.