UK commits to 5% defence spending by 2035, doubling current level

UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis announced on 23 June that Britain will raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, more than double the current 2.3%. The commitment, made ahead of NATO's Ankara summit, would place the UK among the alliance's highest spenders relative to economic output. The target requires reversing a decade of British Army contraction through increased force numbers, accelerated weapons programmes, and restored munitions stockpiles.