Associated Press
• JILL LAWLESS
UK Defence Investment Plan 2026: GBP8.6bn over four years for GCAP, plus major counter-UAS spend to reshape RAF capabilities
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan 2026 commits an estimated GBP8.6 billion over four years for GCAP design and development, positioning the tri-national combat air program as a central “winner.” The package also targets tens of billions of pounds for an RAF built around manned fighters integrated with autonomous platforms, AI and advanced air defence, including roughly GBP1.8 billion for counter-UAS systems. Offsets include delays and early retirements, with helicopter and intelligence-gathering fleet reductions as some missions shift to uncrewed capabilities.
