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Healey Resigns, Armed Forces Minister Quits Over Funding Shortfall

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over Defence Investment Plan’s funding shortfall, prompting Armed Forces minister Al Carns to quit.
The draft plan, due in two weeks, budgets £13.5 billion—far below the £28 billion gap—seeking 80 percent of combat power from drones while prioritising long-range strike, air-missile defence and mass uncrewed platforms.
The Global Combat Air Programme, estimated at £6 billion—nearly half the defence budget—relies on NATO allies for ground forces.

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Story summary

Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over Defence Investment Plan’s funding shortfall, prompting Armed Forces minister Al Carns to quit.
The draft plan, due in two weeks, budgets £13.5 billion—far below the £28 billion gap—seeking 80 percent of combat power from drones while prioritising long-range strike, air-missile defence and mass uncrewed platforms.
The Global Combat Air Programme, estimated at £6 billion—nearly half the defence budget—relies on NATO allies for ground forces.