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Boris Johnson will announce the largest defense investment since the Cold War, saying the UK has a chance to end an “era of retreat” with a new space command, cyber force and artificial intelligence.
The £ 16.5 billion in extra money over four years is not enough to fill a funding gap in the military budget, but it is far more than defense chiefs had thought they would receive given the Treasury’s financial constraints due to the coronavirus. .
The prime minister will tell MPs that the move will create 10,000 jobs a year and show allies like the United States that the United Kingdom is a reliable partner.
“I have made this decision in the midst of the pandemic because the defense of the kingdom must come first,” he said in a statement before the announcement.
“The international situation is more dangerous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand by our allies. To achieve this, we need to enhance our capabilities across the board.” .
“This is our opportunity to end the era of withdrawal, transform our military, strengthen our global influence, unite and level our country, pioneer new technologies and defend our people and our way of life.”
Washington, Paris, and other capitals have been waiting for weeks for the outcome of protracted discussions between the Ministry of Defense (MoD), the prime minister’s office, and the Treasury about whether defense will receive a multi-year deal, even as others. departments just are. an annual budget is expected to be allocated to it.
Tobias Ellwood, a former defense and foreign minister, said the news will not go unnoticed by the incoming administration of US President-elect Joe Biden.
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“This was a pivotal moment for us to decide where we want to go, who we want to be,” Ellwood said.
However, the new funding announcement comes without all the weight of what had been announced as a blanket foreign, defense and security policy review.
The Integrated Review aimed to establish the UK’s overall priorities, an assessment of security risks and how it is adapting to meet them.
Instead, full conclusions have been delayed until the New Year.
The prime minister is expected to confirm the creation of a National Cyber Force, which is a partnership between the military and the spy agency GCHQ.
GCHQ spy agency and military to work together on new cyber force
It’s actually been around for a couple of years, but this will be the first time it’s officially declared.
The force has the ability to launch offensive cyber attacks, as well as defend against hostile actions in cyberspace, seen as an increasingly critical domain of conflict between states.
Another new domain, along with the traditional ones of land, sea and air, is space.
Johnson will unveil a new “space command,” which the government said would be “capable of launching our first rocket by 2022.”
In addition, a new Artificial Intelligence agency will be created to focus on the rapid advancements in that area. This agency is expected to be part of the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Ben Wallace, the Defense Secretary, welcomed the spending decision.
“This is excellent news for defense and gives us the financial certainty we need to modernize, plan for the future, and adapt to the threats we face,” he said.
Tough decisions will still need to be made to balance the books despite the increase.
Boris Johnson expected to launch and announce new space command
The aging equipment, including several tanks and other armored vehicles, appears to be ready for retirement, as well as some of the older frigates in the Royal Navy.
Much of the new money will still have to be absorbed by expensive existing programs, including the nuclear deterrent.
Analysts also raised concerns about whether there could be a raid on the foreign aid budget to help fund the defense splurge.
The government is believed to be considering temporarily reducing the commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on foreign aid.
