Rishi Sunak has said that the U.K. will ramp up defense spending over the next 2 years to counter the growing threats from Russia and China
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Rishi Sunak has said that the U.K. will ramp up defense spending by £ 5 billion (U.S. $ 6 billion) over the next 2 years to counter the growing threats from Russia and China.
The funds would be used to replenish ammunition stocks, modernize the U.K.’s nuclear submarine program and fund the next phase of the AUKUS agreement. The AUKUS agreement was signed in 2021 as part of a joint effort to counter Chinese military power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The details of the AUKUS agreement are expected to be revealed in San Diego during a joint news conference between Sunak, the President of the United States (U.S.) – Joe Biden and the Prime Minister of Australia – Anthony Albanese. The partners are expected to announce that Australia will purchase at least 4 nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines from the U.S., then build a modified version of the British Astute-class submarine with U.S. combat systems and weapons during the second phase of the program.
Last week, China reiterated its opposition to the AUKUS agreement, saying it seriously exacerbates the risk of nuclear proliferation and drives an arms race that would destabilize the Asia Pacific region.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson – Mao Ning had earlier said, “We urge the US, UK, and Australia to abandon the Cold War and zero-sum game mentality, faithfully fulfill their international obligations, and engage in efforts conducive to peace and stability in the region.”
The increase of £ 5 billion is the outcome of “Integrated Review Refresh,” an update to a report first published in 2021 about the U.K.’s foreign, defense and security spending, revised to take into account new threats.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunak said, “We have seen all too clearly in the last year how global crises impact us at home, with Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine driving up energy and food prices. We will fortify our national defences, from economic security to technology supply chains and intelligence expertise, to ensure we are never again vulnerable to the actions of a hostile power.”
Of these new funds, £ 3 billion would be earmarked to support the AUKUS pact, along with boosting industrial infrastructure and servicing U.K. submarines. The remaining £ 1.9 billion will be used to replace weapons sent to Ukraine and improve the U.K.’s munitions infrastructure. Besides, £ 1.98 billion will be spent this year and £ 2.97 billion next year, with defence spending then reviewed again after 2025.
Sunak wants to increase defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product in the longer term. The defense spending will be reviewed in 2025. According to the World Bank, the U.K. spent 2.2% of its GDP, amounting to around U.S. $ 55 billion (£ 46 billion), on military expenditure in 2020-21.
The nuclear submarine plan will create 20,000 direct Australian jobs over the next 30 years. It is expected to cost more than U.S. $ 133 billion (200 billion Australian dollars) over 3 decades.
