UK rearming for 2027, year NATO says Russia and China might attack, as global order shifting

As part of the reorganization of the British Army’s land forces by 2027, the UK General Staff plans to prioritize unmanned systems first. The country's investment in rearmament is also intended to support Ukraine and its military operation, UK Defence Journal reports.

The remaining funding will be spent on heavy, crewed platforms, such as infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, and attack helicopters. The UK has already invested more than £200 million in its own weapons systems. 

The foundation of Britain's future combat operations

The integration of artificial intelligence will be a central element of the British Army's transformation, says General Roland Walker, the Chief of the General Staff.

He explains that by 2027, the army expects to achieve initial operational capability for Challenger 3 main battle tanks, resolve long-standing issues with Ajax tracked armored vehicles, and deploy 600 Boxer wheeled armored personnel carriers.

By 2029, the first RCH155 self-propelled artillery systems are expected to enter service.

Walker has also announced plans to replace more than 13,000 obsolete vehicles across the British Army.

A new reality is an order shaped by force, and Europe must be ready 

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the Alliance notices a global connection between China and Russia.

He said that China is focused on Taiwan. If it uses military force, it will pressure its junior partner, Russia under Putin’s leadership, to occupy Europe. Therefore, the Alliance must be prepared. 

Meanwhile, European leaders are increasingly discussing a change in approach to the global order, Deutsche Welle reports. A new reality is an order shaped by force, said President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. That's why the EU must strengthen its leverage and reinforce its defense and economy.