UK armed forces could be forced to scale back training and operational activity if additional funding is not secured, according to the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned that the government’s Defence Investment Plan does not currently provide sufficient resources for day-to-day military operations, exercises, and training in the short term.
The warning comes amid political fallout following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, who argued that the proposed funding settlement would weaken military readiness and increase risks to personnel on operations.
Speaking in Parliament, Healey said his resignation was a matter of national security rather than personal ambition, adding that current defence spending plans fall short of what is needed to meet growing global threats.
He criticised the pace of planned spending increases, arguing that the investment timeline is “backloaded” and does not match the urgency required to improve readiness in the immediate term.
The government has pledged to raise defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035 in line with NATO commitments, but the detailed Defence Investment Plan has been delayed following his resignation.
Officials have indicated that around £10 billion in additional funding may be allocated over four years, although military leadership has reportedly requested significantly more.
The new Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis, is currently reviewing how the proposed budget will be distributed, while Downing Street has not signalled any further increases at this stage.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the government’s position, stating that defence spending will rise from 2.3% to 2.6% of GDP and that resources are being reallocated to strengthen future military capability.
Military leadership has warned that without increased funding, operational readiness, training exercises, and routine activities may have to be reduced.
Sir Richard said such cuts would directly impact the ability of personnel to maintain preparedness with existing equipment.
