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The UK's Chief of Defense Staff, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, stated that he cannot provide a date for the publication of the Defense Investment Plan (DIP), expected by the end of 2025, due to an estimated £28 billion funding shortfall. Delays in the DIP impact the Global Combat Air Program and the New Medium Helicopter program, with concerns raised about the UK's military preparedness.

Knighton indicated that the Defense Ministry cannot fulfill all government plans within the current budget and warned of necessary trade-offs. The government aims to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3.5% by 2035. Economic pressures are affecting the Treasury's budget, while military aid to Ukraine continues.