Boss of BAE Systems urges ministers to publish delayed military spending plan

CEO of UK's biggest defence company says delay is holding back investment as BAE posts record sales

The boss of Britain's biggest defence company has urged ministers to publish a long-delayed blueprint for military spending as soon as possible, as it posted record sales driven by a global increase in demand after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Charles Woodburn, the chief executive of BAE Systems, said companies want clarity on how the money would be spent, adding that the defence investment plan (DIP) - due in late 2025 - was holding back investment.