UK to Increase Defense Spending to 2.36% of GDP

The British government is set to raise its defense budget to 2.36% of the country’s GDP in the upcoming financial year, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The increase aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to strengthen its military capabilities amid rising global security concerns.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to formally announce the budget expansion before Parliament on March 26.

The military budget will see an additional £2.2 billion ($2.9 billion) allocated for defense in the financial year starting April 6, 2025. This increase will be funded by reducing spending on international humanitarian aid programs.

The move follows a previous commitment by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stated on February 25 that defense spending would rise from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a long-term target of reaching 3% by August 2029.

As the UK prioritizes national security, the shift in budget allocations signals a renewed focus on military readiness, reflecting broader global trends in defense spending.