UK and Allies to Spend £37bn on New Long-Range Missile System to Strengthen European Defence

Deep Precision Strike Project Set to Be Discussed at Nato Summit

Twelve countries, including the United Kingdom, are set to invest more than £37 billion ($50 billion) over the next decade in a new long-range missile programme designed to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.

The initiative, known as the Deep Precision Strike project, was unveiled by the British government and is expected to be a major topic of discussion at the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey.

The ambitious programme aims to develop one of Nato’s most advanced weapons systems, capable of striking targets nearly 200 miles (300 kilometres) away with pinpoint accuracy and potentially extending its range to as far as 1,250 miles.

Starmer Pushes for a Stronger European Nato

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attending what is expected to be his final Nato summit as prime minister.

Ahead of discussions, Starmer said the UK-led initiative would help strengthen European security and reinforce the military alliance.

“This initiative will help bring European allies together to keep Nato safe for years to come,” he said.

The British leader also stressed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security.

“We must step up to deliver a stronger, more European Nato,” he added.

Defence Spending Under Scrutiny

The summit comes amid growing pressure from the United States for European countries to increase their defence spending.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Nato members to contribute more towards collective security.

At last year’s summit, alliance members agreed to spend 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence and security by 2035.

However, Britain has yet to set out a detailed plan for reaching a defence spending target of 3.5% of GDP by that date, a position that could attract criticism from Washington.

The UK government has already committed £300 billion to its Defence Investment Plan by 2030.

Growing Concerns Over Russia

British officials say the new missile programme is necessary because of increasing security threats posed by Russia.

According to the UK government, Nato fighter jets have been scrambled more than 700 times to intercept Russian aircraft approaching allied airspace, while Russian military activity near British waters has reportedly increased by 30%.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the new capability would significantly strengthen Nato’s deterrence.

“With deep precision strike capability, the UK and our allies will be able to hit high-value military targets and the logistical engines that drive armies, deterring any aggressor and strengthening our mutual security,” she said.

She added that the summit sends a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Nato remains united and prepared to defend its members.

Ukraine Conflict Shapes Summit Agenda

The development comes as the war in Ukraine continues to dominate security discussions across Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has used the summit to urge allies to provide additional air defence systems as Russia intensifies its attacks.

British officials pointed to Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russian military targets as evidence of how advanced strike capabilities can change the course of modern warfare.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it would closely monitor the Nato summit, insisting that additional Western weapons would not prevent Russia from pursuing its objectives in Ukraine.

Despite the escalating tensions, Moscow stated that a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict remains its preferred option.