The UK government is preparing to outline its defence-spending plans in the 28 October Budget, as ministers face growing pressure to explain how Britain will fund its military commitments and meet future NATO targets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Budget would set out a route to funding existing defence commitments and moving towards higher levels of military spending. Finance Minister John Healey is due to deliver the statement to Parliament on Wednesday.

The government faces pressure from defence companies and security experts to provide a clear, long-term funding plan. Britain currently spends around 2.6% of GDP on defence, according to Reuters, and has indicated an ambition to reach 3% by 2030 and 3.5% by 2035 for core defence requirements. NATO members have also agreed to broader security-related spending commitments.

However, the government must balance defence priorities against pressure on public finances, borrowing costs and household living expenses. Reuters reports that the Budget is expected to prioritise financial stability, with some major spending decisions potentially deferred until a wider spending review in 2027.

The announcement could offer an important indication of how the government intends to balance national security, NATO commitments and economic constraints. The detailed funding measures will become clearer when the Budget is presented.