The UK government will invest more than 5 billion pounds ($6.6 billion) in unmanned systems over the next four years under its new Defence Investment Plan, marking the largest drone-related commitment in the country’s military history.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the funding as part of a broader effort to modernize the British Armed Forces after conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East underscored the growing role of low-cost autonomous systems on the battlefield.
The investment will fund new drone capabilities across the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, while supporting the Uncrewed Systems Center in Swindon and a new task force to accelerate development with industry.
Backing Multi-Domain Projects
The plan allocates about 50 million pounds ($66.8 million) to the army’s RAPSTONE helicopter wingman initiative, Project NYX to field up to 24 weaponized drones by 2030, and Project Corvus to replace the Watchkeeper surveillance aircraft.
It also provides the navy with at least six new drone-controlling warships and expanded autonomous capabilities for Royal Marine Commandos to implement a hybrid fleet combining manned and unmanned vessels.
Meanwhile, the government will advance its air force’s Collaborative Combat Air program, with an unmanned fighter jet demonstrator planned by 2030 while bringing the Storm Shroud electronic warfare drone into service this year.
“This game-changing investment will strengthen our Armed Forces … ensuring our servicemen and women have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to deter evolving threats and keep the British people safe,” Starmer said.
“At the same time, we are backing British innovation, British industry and British jobs and delivering opportunity to every corner of the country.”
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis added that the investment will help ensure UK forces remain ahead of evolving threats as unmanned systems become increasingly central to modern warfare.
“We are giving our extraordinary people the equipment they need to fight and win,” he said.
