UK outlines £298 bn defence plan; Canada joins German‑Norwegian submarine programme

Britain’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) proposes spending £298 billion over four years, aiming to raise defence spending to 2.7 % of GDP by 2029 and 3.5 % by 2035. The plan emphasizes artificial‑intelligence, automation and long‑range precision weapons, funds a new Dreadnought‑class nuclear submarine, purchases 12 F‑35 fighter jets and allocates £11 billion for ammunition, drone and missile production, with an estimated creation of 60 000 jobs. Funding is to come from cuts to other budgets, asset sales and delayed infrastructure projects.

Germany and Norway are proceeding with the Type‑212CD submarine programme, each ordering six new submarines from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. Canada has joined the effort, committing to buy up to twelve identical boats, bringing the total fleet to as many as 24 vessels. Norway’s six subs are projected to cost around 100 billion Norwegian kroner, and the navy will handle maintenance for the German and Norwegian fleets. The shared platform is intended to counter Russian naval activity in the north and lower overall procurement and operating costs through joint training and spare‑part agreements. The developments were discussed at a NATO industry seminar ahead of the summit in Ankara, underscoring a broader push for European defence self‑reliance.