High-speed boats and drones promised for elite commandos in tweak to defence spending plan

Britain's elite, rapid reaction force is to be equipped with high-speed boats and drones as the new defence secretary Dan Jarvis tries to put his stamp on his new brief.

His predecessor, John Healey, stood down earlier this month in protest of the overdue defence investment plan (DIP).

The extra £13.5bn of investment expected with it fell "well short" of what was needed, Mr Healey said.

Mr Jarvis has spent the last two weeks "refocusing" the defence blueprint - expected to be published before July's NATO Summit - to prioritise getting kit to troops on the front line, officials said.

The UK's elite commandos have been promised £500m for rapid boats and strike drones as part of changes, with a focus on Arctic region - amid anxiety about Russian activity in the region.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the UK spent £60.2bn on defence.

The new high-speed commando insertion craft - special vessels used to covertly transport troops from the rapid-response force - will be used for such operations as the seizing of Russian shadow fleet tankers.

Earlier in June commandos were involved in taking over a Russian oil tanker in the Channel in the first operation of its kind.

Mr Jarvis said: "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."

The plan, originally due last year, has been delayed by government wrangling over the budget.

Announcing the "shifted" focus, the Ministry of Defence said the DIP will see the UK work with NATO ally Norway in the High North.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to publish the DIP before the NATO summit on 7 July in Turkey, despite most major policy and spending commitments being paused until his successor is confirmed.

But defence chiefs will want to ensure the plan has the backing of the new PM, widely expected to be Andy Burnham, who recently became an MP again after the Makerfield by-election.

(c) Sky News 2026: High-speed boats and drones promised for elite commandos in tweak to defence spending plan