Defence investment plan criticised as ‘too little, too late’ ahead of launch – UK politics live

<p>Defence investment plan, which was originally due in the autumn, criticised by Tories and Lib Dems</p><p>Sharon Graham, the leader of the UK’s second biggest union, Unite, is to face a challenge as general secretary over claims the union is not doing enough to challenge the rise of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/brexit-party">Reform UK</a>, <strong>Matthew Taylor</strong> reports.</p><p>The <strong>Ministry of Defence</strong> has already given some details of what’s in the defence investment plan (Dip), even though the full details won’t be released until later.</p><p><strong>Royal Navy </strong></p><p>The Royal Navy is transforming into a Hybrid Navy, combining autonomous vessels and AI with warships and aircraft, including:</p><p>The Common Combat Vessel will replace the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers, with delivery expected from the early 2030s. Unlike its predecessors, the new warship will act as a control hub for uncrewed systems - extending the Navy’s reach, resilience and firepower without a proportional increase in crew or cost.</p><p>Due to be outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, these new ships will replace earlier plans for a Type 83 destroyer. Rather than concentrating capability in a small number of large, expensive ships, the Royal Navy’s shift to a hybrid navy will mix crewed and uncrewed capabilities and be more suited to the pace and nature of modern warfare.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jun/30/defence-investment-plan-keir-starmer-dan-jarvis-labour-andy-burnham-uk-politics-latest-news">Continue reading...</a>