Domesday Live

How much does the UK spend on defence?

A little over two pence in every pound of national income, which is one of the biggest defence budgets in Europe. The government has said it will raise this to 2.5% of national income by April 2027, and with other NATO countries has agreed to work towards 3.5% on core defence by 2035, plus more on wider security. These targets can change, so check the latest.

Why it happens

• The war in Ukraine. It showed that European armies had thinner stocks of ammunition and equipment than they needed, and Western countries have had to replace what they sent to Ukraine.
• Pressure from NATO. NATO members have agreed higher spending targets, and the United States has pushed European members to pay more of their own way.
• Equipment is expensive. New ships, jets and submarines cost billions, take many years to build and are often over budget, so the headline share of national income does not tell you how much real capability it buys.
• It means choices. More on defence has to come from higher taxes, more borrowing or less on something else. The government has cut the overseas aid budget to help pay for part of it.