- Over £500 million will be committed to continue
the transformation of the UK Commando
Force, including with new high-speed Commando
Insertion Craft.
- Defence Secretary has shifted Defence Investment Plan towards
more immediate priorities, including getting the latest kit into
the hands of military personnel on the frontline.
- The DIP is expected to be published ahead of the NATO
Summit and set out funding to support the Armed
Forces, bolster British industry and strengthen
NATO's deterrence and defence.
The UK's elite Commandos will be equipped with new high-speed
boats and the latest drone and autonomous technology, as the new
Defence Secretary shifts spending towards front-line priorities
to deter emerging threats.
has spent the last two weeks refocusing the Defence
Investment Plan - expected to be published ahead of the NATO
Summit - so that it prioritises getting the latest kit into
the hands of military personnel, including for the UK's elite
Commandos.
The UK Commando Force is the elite frontline, rapid-reaction
force of the UK Armed Forces, capable of deploying anywhere in
the world at very short notice. They form the
vanguard of NATO's rapid-reaction
forces, transitioning seamlessly from year-round
Arctic defence missions to immediate crisis-response
operations in the Middle East.
The refreshed DIP will see over £500 million committed to
transforming the Commandos into the Future Commando Force,
focused on the High North due to its growing importance to
UK and NATO security.
This lethal Force will be equipped with new high-speed Commando
Insertion Craft (CIC), which could be used to seize further
Russian shadow fleet tankers and other maritime security
operations. This programme will see the
UK collaborate with Norway, a key NATO Ally in the High
North, and build on the historic Type 26 frigate
deal.
The transformation into the Future Commando Force will also
include:
-
Nearly £100 million for new transformative
technologies. This includes uncrewed vessels,
next-generation communications,
networked targeting and strike
drones - presenting a significant economic
opportunity for UK industry, supporting high-skilled
jobs, technology and export potential.
-
Investment in new larger Amphibious Transport Ships to
support UK Commando Force operations, aiming to
create a new combined fleet with the Netherlands.
Defence Secretary MBE MP said:
Our elite Commando Force is respected around the world,
conducting operations that help to keep the nation and our allies
safe.
We're investing in new lethal strike drones,
high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give
our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of
adversaries and defend us.
The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise getting the latest
kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue
their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world.
