Boris Johnson to announce additional £16.5billion investment into armed forces

18 November 2020, 22:33 | Updated: 19 November 2020, 09:33

Boris Johnson is set to reveal a new investment into Britain's armed forces, billed as the largest since the Cold War.

Downing Street says the latest cash investment, which will see the MoD get an additional £16.5 billion over initial budget spread across four years, will created 10,000 new jobs in Britain.

The Prime Minister will set out the financial deal for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to "transform" the military, developing cutting-edge capabilities in the future battlefields of cyber and space.

It will include the creation of an agency dedicated to artificial intelligence, and a "space command" capable of launching the UK's first rocket by 2022.

The move will come as a relief for military chiefs who have been pressing for a multi-year settlement to enable them to plan effectively for the future.

It is thought their demands were being resisted by the Treasury, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak holding out for a one-year deal - along with the rest of Whitehall - in next week's spending review.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace tells LBC an increase in defence spending "invest in new capabilities"

Mr Johnson said the settlement reflected the need to upgrade Britain's military capabilities "across the board" amid an international situation "more perilous" than at any time since the Cold War.

"I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first," the Prime Minister said.

"The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.

"This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our armed forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life."

The announcement marks the first phase of the Government's Integrated Review of the UK's foreign, defence, development and security policy, with the final conclusions due to be unveiled next year.

Former Head of the Army on an additional £16.5bn investment in defence

Officials said it would cement the UK's position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in Nato.

As well as promising a new space command, the Prime Minister will also set out plans for a national cyber force to protect the country from attack.

It will be underpinned by of an additional £1.5 billion investment in military research and development with a commitment to invest further in the Future Combat Air System to develop the next generation of fighters for the RAF.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "This is excellent news for defence, and provides us with the financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face.

"It demonstrates the Prime Minister's recognition of how important defence is to our resilience and to the reputation of the United Kingdom.

"This settlement secures UK jobs and livelihoods, allows us to invest in our fantastic shipyards and aerospace industry, spreading prosperity to every corner of the UK.

"Next year represents a huge opportunity for this country, and defence will be at the forefront of creating the jobs and business opportunities that will help us build back from the pandemic."