The UK's elite Commando Force will receive more than £500 million in new investment for high-speed insertion craft, advanced drones and autonomous technologies, as the Defence
Secretary refocuses defence spending on front-line capability and operational readiness.
The investment forms part of the refreshed Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which is expected to be published ahead of the NATO Summit. The plan will prioritise delivering modern equipment to military personnel, strengthening the Armed Forces, supporting the UK defence industry and reinforcing NATO's collective deterrence.
Over the past two weeks, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has directed the Defence Investment Plan towards more immediate operational priorities, ensuring that the Armed Forces are equipped to respond to rapidly evolving threats.
The funding will continue the transformation of the UK Commando Force into the Future Commando Force, with a renewed focus on operations in the High North, a region of increasing strategic importance to both the UK and NATO.
As part of the programme, Commandos will be equipped with a new fleet of high-speed Commando Insertion Craft (CIC), designed to rapidly deploy personnel in contested maritime environments. The vessels will enhance the UK's ability to conduct a range of operations, including maritime security missions and the interception of hostile vessels such as Russian shadow fleet tankers.
The investment will also deliver the latest drone and autonomous technologies, improving the Commandos' surveillance, reconnaissance and strike capabilities while increasing their operational effectiveness in complex environments.
The programme will be delivered in partnership with Norway, one of the UK's closest NATO allies in the High North, building on the longstanding defence relationship between the two nations and the successful Type 26 frigate collaboration.
The UK Commando Force is the Armed Forces' elite rapid-response formation, capable of deploying globally at short notice. It serves as a key component of NATO's high-readiness forces, conducting year-round operations ranging from Arctic defence to crisis response missions in the Middle East.
The refreshed Defence Investment Plan reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring that Britain's Armed Forces remain equipped with cutting-edge capabilities to deter aggression, respond to emerging threats and strengthen NATO's collective defence.
The transformation into the Future Commando Force will also include:
Nearly £100 million for new transformative technologies. This includes uncrewed vessels, next-generation communications, networked targeting and strike drones - presenting a significant economic opportunity for UK industry, supporting high-skilled jobs, technology and export potential.
Investment in new larger Amphibious Transport Ships to support UK Commando Force operations, aiming to create a new combined fleet with the Netherlands.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:
“Our elite Commando Force is respected around the world, conducting operations that help to keep the nation and our allies safe.
We’re investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us.
The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world”. Photo by Andysmith248, Wikimedia commons.
