What is the defence budget?
The UK defence budget is the money the government spends on the armed forces, equipment, nuclear weapons and military operations. Under NATO's definition, UK defence spending is planned at 2.6% of GDP in 2026/27, rising to 2.7% from 2027/28. NATO allies have pledged 3.5% on core defence by 2035.
The Ministry of Defence manages most of the money. Spending fell after the Cold War, reaching about 2% of GDP in the 2010s. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed priorities. In 2025 the government promised to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027, partly by cutting the overseas aid budget. The 2025 spending review then set a figure of 2.6%.
In June 2025 NATO members agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035. That means 3.5% on core defence and 1.5% on areas such as infrastructure and resilience. The UK's Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, adds about £15 billion over four years. Analysts estimate that reaching 3.5% would need around £25 billion a year more by 2035.
About a third of UK defence spending goes on equipment, and around a fifth on the nuclear deterrent. Supporters of higher spending point to threats from Russia and uncertainty about US commitments. Critics warn that more defence money means higher taxes, more borrowing or cuts to other services. Most parties now back higher spending, but they disagree on how to fund it and how fast to grow it.
- Runs the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force
- Buys ships, planes, tanks and equipment
- Maintains the nuclear deterrent
- Supports NATO and overseas operations
- Looks after veterans and service families
Budget: About £60bn a year. Staff: About 60,000 civilians plus around 140,000 regular armed forces
What it runs or funds
British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Defence Equipment and Support, Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Did you know? The MoD is one of the UK's biggest landowners, with about 1% of all UK land.
The left is divided, with Labour backing higher spending while others argue for prioritising public services and diplomacy.
The right generally wants defence spending raised faster, arguing national security is the first duty of government.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide you can set the defence budget yourself and balance security against taxes, borrowing and other services.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
How much does the UK spend on defence?
Around 2.6% of GDP in 2026/27 on NATO's definition.
What is the NATO spending target?
Allies agreed to reach 3.5% on core defence and 1.5% on related security by 2035.
What is the Defence Investment Plan?
A plan published on 30 June 2026 setting out defence spending and equipment priorities.
Which of these does the Ministry of Defence run?
The Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. The MoD runs the three armed services.
Which alliance does the MoD work closely with?
NATO. The MoD supports NATO and works with allies.