UK cuts defense budget by retiring helicopters and warships

Questions remain about replacing the Puma fleet under the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program. As reported by Airforce Technology in October 2024, only Leonardo Helicopters UK submitted a tender for this program after anticipated bids from Airbus Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK did not materialize.

The British Army will also cut its air assets, including 47 Watchkeeper drones that have experienced numerous crashes during their six years of service. Some argue that these drones may not be effective in future conflicts resembling those seen in Ukraine.

Britain's nuclear deterrence consumes a significant portion of its defense budget as it transitions to Dreadnought-class submarines currently under construction. Despite having one of the largest military budgets globally—$74.9 billion in 2023 according to SIPRI—the UK's ability to procure additional equipment remains limited.

Separately, there is speculation that the RAF may opt for more F-35Bs instead of Typhoon Eurofighters due to commitments worldwide stretching its combat aircraft fleet thinly.

Equipment challenges are affecting major countries globally, except perhaps Poland and China which continue substantial military investments. For instance, Russia's naval surface fleet has struggled despite maintaining Russian Air Force numbers during operations in Ukraine.