UK, India, Pakistan Increase Defence Spending Shares of GDP

The UK government has announced a significant increase in defence spending, raising it by £11 billion to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2027, funded in part by cuts to overseas aid. This investment aims to bolster the UK's defence capabilities, including substantial funding for munitions and nuclear submarine production, with the goal of establishing Britain as a 'defence industrial superpower.' However, the government has not specified when it plans to achieve the 3% GDP defence spending target, drawing criticism from opposition figures. Similarly, India plans to increase its defence capital expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by fiscal 2026, aiming to enhance military procurement and capabilities. Pakistan has also raised its defence budget by over 20% to Rs2,557.95 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, attributing the increase to inflation, operational needs, and heightened border tensions with India. These defence spending hikes reflect broader regional security concerns and a global trend of increasing military investment.