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.