UK ditches ships and bets on drones in new defence plan

The UK's new defence investment plan, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to unveil, abandons the replacement of the Royal Navy's ageing destroyers and frigates and redirects resources to drone technology. The Times first reported the plan's details.

The UK government is preparing to introduce a new defence investment plan that marks a significant shift in the nation's military strategy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to unveil the plan on Tuesday, 1 July 2026, according to The Times.

Ships to remain unmodernised

Under the plan, the previous intention to replace the Royal Navy's ageing destroyers and frigates with new modern warships will be abandoned. This represents a remarkable departure from established defence policy, in which the surface fleet has traditionally been considered the backbone of UK military capability.

Focus on drone technology

Instead, resources will be directed towards the development and procurement of drones. This approach reflects broader shifts in contemporary warfare, with drones proving particularly effective in both reconnaissance and combat operations, as demonstrated by experience in Ukraine.

The new plan aligns with a trend in which many NATO member states are increasingly investing in unmanned aircraft while reducing spending on expensive conventional military hardware.