The Government has set a target to potentially boost defence spending to reach 3 percent by 2030, according to a written parliamentary answer that signals a potential acceleration in the UK’s long-term military planning.
In response to a question from Jim Shannon MP, Defence Minister Maria Eagle said the increase marks the most sustained rise in defence expenditure since the end of the Cold War. “The recent increase in defence spending is the largest sustained increase since the end of the Cold War,” she said. “The Government is firmly committed to increasing defence spending to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2027 and has set an ambition to reach 3% by 2030, as fiscal and economic conditions allow.”
The Ministry of Defence has also restated the broader objective of spending 5 percent of GDP on national security. This includes a mix of conventional defence funding and wider resilience measures, such as cyber security, infrastructure protection and civil preparedness. “This is a generational increase in defence and security spending, honouring our commitment to be a leader in NATO,” Eagle added.
The written answer was published ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, where alliance members formally adopted a new spending framework. NATO’s “Hague Defence Investment Plan” raises the minimum threshold for core defence spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, with an additional 1.5 percent earmarked for supporting capabilities in the broader national security space.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said recently at the Hague:
“Together, Allies have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO. NATO leaders agreed on the The Hague Defence Investment Plan. And this will fuel a quantum leap in our collective defence. They agreed to boost our defence industries – which will not only increase our security but will also create jobs. And we have reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine. All of this is crucial.
It means that no matter the challenges we face – whether from Russia or terrorism, cyberattacks, sabotage or strategic competition – this Alliance is and will remain ready, willing and able to defend every inch of Allied territory. And ensure that our one billion people can continue to live in freedom and security. These decisions will have a profound impact on our ability to do what NATO was founded to do – deter and defend. And the key decision in that regard is to adopt the The Hague Defence Investment Plan.
With this plan, Allies have agreed to invest 5% of GDP in defence. This is a significant commitment in response to significant threats to our security. It includes at least 3.5% of GDP invested in core defence requirements – a benchmark that until today was set at 2%. A target that I am pleased to say all Allies will now meet this year or have already met.
The 3.5% is to fund our militaries and the equipment they need – from our air defences to ammunition, drones, tanks, troops, and more. In addition to the 3.5% for core defence, the plan includes 1.5% of GDP that will go towards investments that support our defence and security. All to ensure we can effectively deter aggression and defend ourselves, and each other, should anyone make the mistake of attacking.”
The UK has pledged to meet the full 5 percent target by 2035, though some figures within the Ministry question how much of the 5 percent figure will fall under the direct control of the MOD. The split between traditional defence and broader national security mirrors NATO’s own framing of the investment plan.
The Government’s position marks a notable shift as just weeks ago, ministers had declined to commit to hitting 3 percent within the next decade.
