In Britain, announced a record since the "cold war" investment in defense
The UK will significantly increase its defense spending - the corresponding plan was made by the country's Prime Minister Boris Johnson. According to the expert, the growth of spending on defense is a global trend, but London's plans differ from the practices of other European countries in the intention to develop high technologies, and not increase the cost of maintaining troops and monetary satisfaction.
Britain has announced the largest increase in military spending in 30 years. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, announced an increase in the budget by £16.5 billion ($21.8 billion) for the country's armed forces.
These funds will be distributed over four years and will cover the current budget. At the same time, in 2020-2021, the budget of the Ministry of defense of the United Kingdom already amounted to almost £41.5 billion (almost $55 billion).
-the Prime Minister explained these expenses.
"The international situation is more dangerous and tougher than at any time since the cold war, and Britain must stand by our history and stand by our allies. To achieve this, we need to increase our capabilities in all areas, " the head of the Cabinet added.
According to him, the increase in defense spending gives the UK a chance to "end the era of retreat, transform the armed forces, strengthen global influence, unite and raise the level of the country, introduce new technologies and protect our people and way of life."
In January, the United Kingdom will enter the "post-brexit" phase. In addition, on the other side of the Atlantic ocean, future us President Joe Biden will take office. The influx of funds into the military and defense industry could strengthen the UK's position as the largest defense sponsor on the European continent and the second largest military budget in NATO.
The increase in funds allocated to the military comes after concerted action and a struggle by the Ministry of defence to allocate additional money from the UK Treasury.
A Ministry of defence official, speaking anonymously to be Frank, told CNN:"It took us by surprise because there was a real fight, but I think we are really happy because it puts British defence on a stronger footing."
The Johnson government said the money would be invested in technology for cyber and space activities and addressing weaknesses in the UK's defence Arsenal that "cannot be allowed to continue to exist."
The statement said:"in support of these actions, the Prime Minister will also announce a new Agency that will focus on artificial intelligence, a national cyber force to protect our people from harm, and a new Space command capable of launching our first rocket in 2022."
A spokesman for the United Kingdom's Ministry of defense told CNN that the funds allocated will help the UK armed forces create a "digital Foundation".
According to the representative of UK Ministry of defence, ways of funding over the next four years of building military aircraft carriers, frigates, cruise missiles and a new generation of nuclear programme in the UK were now "much clearer".
Increasing defense spending is a strategic move by Boris Johnson, who has constantly faced internal political difficulties and probably hopes to raise his profile in this way, CNN notes.
The Prime Minister has been criticised for the way he has handled the coronavirus crisis, and recently sacked two close advisers. The "military" statement is sure to appeal to members of his Conservative party, according to American journalists. Johnson also needs to improve relations with the new us President.
- said the representative of the Ministry of defense of great Britain, while emphasizing that the desire of the British military to increase funds allocated for military needs, arose even before the elections in the United States.
Former United Kingdom defence and foreign Affairs Minister Tobias Ellwood also said the news would not go unnoticed under the new administration of us President-elect Joe Biden. His words are quoted by Skynews.
In a statement to CNN, acting Pentagon chief Christopher Miller said the US welcomed the decision as "evidence of the UK's commitment to NATO and our shared security."
Some of the money will also be spent on joint US and UK research, known as "next generation", which focuses on projects such as hypersonic missiles and directed energy weapons.
"This announcement demonstrates that the UK remains committed to playing an important role on the world stage," said Karin von Hippel, Director General of the defence think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Boris Johnson is expected to make a speech in the house of Commons of great Britain, in which he will detail the increase in spending on military needs. The speech will precede a comprehensive review of Britain's foreign policy, defence, development and security, which is expected to be published in the new year.
"The growth of military spending is a global trend. For example, in 2018, global military spending is estimated to have exceeded $1.8 trillion for the first time. Total military spending, which totaled $1,822 billion, was 2.6% higher in real terms than in 2017 and 5.4% higher than in 2009. That is, there is a growing trend, "he told the Newspaper.Ru " former Deputy head of the Main operational Department of the General staff of the Russian armed forces Valery Zaparenko.
According to the military commander, the 15 countries with the highest military expenditures (except for three) increased their military spending from 2009 to 2018. The exceptions for this period are the United States (-17%), the United Kingdom (-17%), and Italy (-14%). There is every reason to assume, the General believes, that London decided to correct this disparity and began to catch up. It is very important to note that the allocated funds will primarily be used for high technologies, and not for the maintenance of troops and monetary allowances, as is often the case in European NATO countries.
Mikhail Khodarenok