Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:15:35

A naval-first plan for higher British defence spending

The panel outlines how a large British defence-budget increase could first reinforce existing programmes, people, logistics, and amphibious capability.

Amphibious WarfareBritish Defence PolicyF-35 Lightning IIRoyal Fleet AuxiliaryType 26 Frigate
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Question

How would you raise British defence spending to five percent of GDP by 2035?

Short answer

Expand existing programmes first, fix pay and housing, reinforce fleet support and F-35B numbers, and procure aviation-capable LHDs.

Notes

The proposal begins with expanding established Type 26, patrol-ship, and support-ship programmes because existing production can absorb money faster than a new project. Pay, benefits, and housing come next so experienced personnel remain available to train an expanding force. The air component would buy more F-35Bs, while the Army's artillery programme would also receive attention. Three aviation-capable LHDs would rebuild amphibious capacity and share aircraft with the carriers. Together these measures aim to keep both a carrier group and an amphibious task group available for global commitments rather than simply raise spending on paper.