Britain unveils its new Ukraine-modeled armed forces

Britain is preparing one of the most significant overhauls of its military in decades, taking direct inspiration from the war in Ukraine. The Defence Investment Plan, due Tuesday from Prime Minister Keir Starmer in one of his final acts before stepping down, signals a pivot toward cheap systems capable of destroying costly targets, with innovation measured in weeks rather than years.

In a striking break from tradition, the plan withholds new funding for up to eight Type 83 destroyers and Type 32 frigates. Instead, the U.K. will build at least six Common Combat Vessels to command fleets of uncrewed underwater, sea and air platforms — mirroring how Ukraine crippled Russia's Black Sea Fleet using drones despite having no navy. The Royal Air Force will likewise pursue autonomous jets.

The plan adds roughly £15 billion, including £5 billion for drones, though Britain still trails allies like Germany and Poland on NATO's spending target. Implementation will fall to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham.