John Healey didn’t rule out the idea of tax hikes as part of the government’s plan to ramp up Britain’s defence budget and get the country ready for any future conflicts.
Speaking confidently, he said the government aims to increase defence spending from 2.5% of GDP to 3%, which would mean an extra £12 billion a year.
But he didn’t give a clear timeline for when this target will be met, nor how exactly the money will be raised.
Experts have warned that hefty tax increases might be unavoidable — a prospect that could clash with Labour’s manifesto promises.
There’s also growing pressure on NATO countries to aim for an even higher spending goal of 3.5% by 2035, plus extra funds for cyber and security efforts, potentially pushing costs up to £30 billion.
Strategic Defence Review Highlights Urgent Need for Modernisation
The recently published Strategic Defence Review (SDR) paints a pretty stark picture of the UK’s current military capabilities.
It calls for a big shift toward cutting-edge technology like drones and artificial intelligence, saying hitting that 3% spending target is crucial to making these changes happen.
The government has already committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, but the jump to 3% is still a goal without a set deadline.
Healey made it clear on BBC Breakfast that he’s “100% confident” the target will be met — helped by a £5 billion boost to the defence budget this year.
Tough Choices Ahead on Funding Defence
When asked on Times Radio whether tax rises might be necessary, Healey was honest but vague: the government will explain how it plans to pay for future increases in due course.
Meanwhile, economic growth forecasts have been downgraded, adding uncertainty to government revenue predictions.
Alongside the funding news, the Ministry of Defence announced a £5 billion investment in “future kit,” including £4 billion for drones and autonomous systems and £1 billion for laser weapons to protect UK forces.
Healey said this will be the biggest leap in UK defence tech in decades, helping the military face new global threats.
Drones and AI to Play a Leading Role in Future Warfare
The new investment includes creating a dedicated drone centre to fast-track their deployment across the army, navy, and air force.
This focus comes after drones proved devastatingly effective in Ukraine, causing most battlefield casualties.
The SDR also announced £1 billion for developing directed energy weapons like the DragonFire laser, which will be fitted on Royal Navy destroyers and Army equipment by the end of the decade.
These laser systems are a cost-effective way to shoot down threats like enemy drones.
Ambitious Plans to Make Britain’s Armed Forces More Lethal and Integrated
The review sets a bold goal: make the army “ten times more lethal” through new tech like drones and updated weapons such as the Archer artillery and Challenger 3 tanks.
The military will also shift towards a more integrated force where the army, navy, and air force train and fight more closely together — breaking down old silos.
Big Boost for Nuclear Deterrent and Submarine Fleet
Britain plans to spend £15 billion on upgrading its nuclear weapons and modernising infrastructure at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Berkshire.
They also aim to build up to 12 new attack submarines to replace the current fleet, supporting security alliances like AUKUS in the Pacific region.
Strengthening Munitions Production and Embracing Cutting-Edge Tech
To avoid shortages like those seen supplying Ukraine, the UK will build at least six new factories for munitions and explosives, creating over 1,000 skilled jobs.
The SDR highlights AI, robotics, and cyber warfare as vital to future defence.
A Defence AI Investment Fund will launch by 2026, and new directed energy weapons are expected to save millions on costly missile systems.
Expanding Drone Fleet and Exploring Nuclear Air Power
Drones will see a £4 billion expansion to complement manned military systems, offering cheap and effective force multipliers.
The government is also considering reintroducing nuclear bombs carried by fighter jets in partnership with the US — a major shift in the UK’s nuclear strategy.
Preparing the Next Generation and Reservists for Long-Term Defence
The Defence Ministry plans to work with schools to boost awareness and understanding of the armed forces, aiming to grow cadet numbers by 30% by 2030.
They also want to increase the number of reservists by 20% in the 2030s to support regular troops in extended conflicts.
What Lies Ahead for Britain’s Military Ambitions?
This defence overhaul is a big gamble on technology and investment, backed by ambitious spending targets that may require tough financial decisions.
With shifting global threats and evolving warfare, Britain is betting that drones, AI, lasers, and a modernised force will keep the nation secure for decades to come.