UK Announces Largest Defense Spending Increase Since Cold War

Prime Minister Keir Starmer commits to raising defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, reducing international aid funding to prioritize national security.

• The UK government plans to increase defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching 3% by 2029.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the move as the most significant defense investment since the Cold War, citing evolving global security threats, particularly from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• The increase will be partially funded by reducing the international aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP over the same period.
• Starmer emphasized the need to modernize military capabilities and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
• The announcement comes ahead of Starmer's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and European defense contributions.

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Le Figaro L'Express Sud Ouest Courrier International