Britain to hike defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, Sunak says in Poland

Britain plans to increase its defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of the decade, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday, which would place the country well above NATO's target.

Sunak made the announcement in Warsaw during a joint appearance with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in front of British soldiers stationed in Poland.

NATO has set a target for alliance members to spend 2% of their economic output on defence. British spending is currently around 2.3%.

According to Sunak, an additional £75 billion pounds ($93 billion) is to be invested in defence over the next six years.

"Today is a turning point for European security and a landmark moment in the defence of the United Kingdom," said the British prime minister, who will have to face a general election by January 2025 at the latest. In the polls, Sunak's Conservatives are trailing far behind the opposition Labour Party.

Stoltenberg praised the example the UK's 2.5% target set. He emphasized that it was also about showing the United States that Europe was making its contribution to NATO.

Prior to the visit to Warsaw, the British government had already announced the largest military aid package for Ukraine to date. Among other things, the British plan to send Kiev armoured vehicles, missiles and boats worth £500 million ($618 billion).

Sunak travelled to Poland on Tuesday accompanied by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.