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UK Targets 2.68% GDP Defence, Launches Drone Commando Force

6/14/2026

49 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the UK will publish its Defence Investment Plan before the summit in Ankara.
Resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns warned the plan would reach 2.68 % of GDP by 2030.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the King announced the Royal Marines’ 3 Commando Brigade will become the United Kingdom Commando Force, a drone-enabled unit.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Strategic Defence Review launched under David Cameron set a long-term push to raise UK defence spending. Boris Johnson’s 2020 Integrated Review reaffirmed a 2 % of GDP target and pledged £16.5 billion, while Rishi Sunak later committed to 2.5 % by 2030. In 2024 Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg are urging a new plan to reach 2.68 % by 2030.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the UK will publish its Defence Investment Plan before the summit in Ankara.
Resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns warned the plan would reach 2.68 % of GDP by 2030.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the King announced the Royal Marines’ 3 Commando Brigade will become the United Kingdom Commando Force, a drone-enabled unit.

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