Elite commandos set for £500m boost in long-awaited defence spending plan

The UK’s commandos are set for a £500 million boost as part of changes to the long-delayed defence investment plan.

High-speed boats and strike drones will be committed to the elite force, with a focus on the High North – which includes the Arctic Circle and nearby areas – in the face of rising Russian activity in the region.

It comes with the Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis understood to have secured around £1 billion extra for the defence investment plan (Dip), on top of the £13.5 billion offer that saw his predecessor John Healey resign in protest.

The Dip was originally due last year, but has been held back amid wrangling within the Government over the amount of money required to finance the military.

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Mr Healey quit his Cabinet post earlier this month because the blueprint was only due to provide £13.5 billion extra investment, which he said fell “well short” of what was needed.

Officials say Mr Jarvis has “shifted” the focus of spending Dip since he became Defence Secretary earlier this month towards providing kit to troops on the front line.

Officials say the funding will help fund new high-speed commando insertion craft – special vessels used to covertly transport troops from the rapid-response force – which could be used for operations including the seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers.

Around £100 million will also be committed to new tech including uncrewed vessels, “next-generation communications” and strike drones.

The Defence Secretary claimed “real progress” had been made in recent days, but work was ongoing to “get it right” ahead of its expected publication before July 7.

He said: “I’ve been working very hard since I was appointed to satisfy myself that we’ve got the right resource and the right mix of capabilities.

“I have a responsibility to make sure I get it right and that is what I’m working to achieve.

“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.”