UK pledges £15 billion for drones and autonomous warfare systems

The UK government announced £15 billion in additional defence spending on 29 June, prioritizing drones and autonomous systems. Defence Secretary John Healey unveiled the plan alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Downing Street. The allocation includes drone-equipped naval vessels for the Royal Navy, signalling a shift toward uncrewed platforms operating alongside manned ships. The announcement reflects post-Ukraine doctrinal shifts: autonomous systems reduce crew risk, extend surveillance, and cost less to replace than conventional platforms.