Defence
Strong at home and respected abroad.
Our Vision
Britain must maintain a strong, credible defence that protects our people, supports our allies and deters our enemies. Upgrade UK believes that national defence is a core duty of government and that our armed forces deserve the equipment, funding and respect to do the job we ask of them.
The Challenge
The world is becoming more dangerous, not less. Russia's aggression in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the growing threat of cyber warfare demand serious investment in defence. Yet Britain's armed forces have been cut to their smallest size since the Napoleonic era, with outdated equipment and recruitment shortfalls.
Key Policies
- Raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, with a clear roadmap funded through efficiency savings
- Grow the regular armed forces to 85,000 personnel with improved pay, housing and family support
- Invest £15 billion in a next-generation cyber and autonomous warfare capability to counter modern threats
- Accelerate procurement timelines by reforming the Ministry of Defence's buying process to deliver equipment faster
- Establish a new Defence Industrial Strategy that supports British manufacturers and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers
Why This Matters
In an uncertain world, defence is not optional. A strong military protects our sovereignty, underpins our alliances and gives us a seat at the table in global affairs. When Britain is strong, it is respected — and when it is respected, it can shape the world for the better.