Britain’s elite commandos are to be equipped with high-speed boats and strike drones as part of a £500 million boost to a long-delayed defence investment plan – a move that comes after the previous defence secretary resigned in protest over funding.
The new defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, has secured around £1 billion extra for the defence investment plan (Dip) on top of the £13.5 billion offer that saw his predecessor John Healey quit his cabinet post earlier this month, saying the blueprint fell “well short” of what was needed.
“UK commandos to receive £500m for high-speed boats and drones amid rising Russian activity in the High North.”
Officials say Mr Jarvis has “shifted” the focus of spending towards providing kit to troops on the front line, with a particular emphasis on the High North – which includes the Arctic Circle and nearby areas – in the face of rising Russian activity in the region.
The funding will help pay for new high-speed commando insertion craft, special vessels used to covertly transport troops from the rapid-response force, which could be used for operations including the seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers. Around £100 million will also be committed to new technology including uncrewed vessels, “next-generation communications” and strike drones.
The defence investment plan was originally due last year but has been held back amid wrangling within the government over the amount of money required to finance the military. Mr Jarvis claimed “real progress” had been made in recent days, but work was ongoing to “get it right” ahead of its expected publication before July 7.
“I’ve been working very hard since I was appointed to satisfy myself that we’ve got the right resource and the right mix of capabilities,” Mr Jarvis said. “I have a responsibility to make sure I get it right and that is what I’m working to achieve. 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.”