The British Army could recall former UK service personnel to duty up until the age of 65 under new measures outlined in a £298bn Defence Investment Plan. The Ministry of Defence's 'Strategic Reserve', comprising former service personnel, would be strengthened with an age rise to bring them within two years of the state pension age, which currently stands at 66 and will rise to 67.
Key Changes in the Defence Investment Plan
The plan, published this week, increases the recall liability for personnel up to the age of 65. It also lowers the threshold for recall, allowing Reservists to be called up for 'warlike preparations' in addition to the current requirements of 'national danger, great emergency, or attack on the UK'. The document states: "This will allow us to mobilise talent rapidly when it matters most, strengthening our readiness and bolstering our resilience. We will also deliver a Defence Readiness Bill to go further later this Parliament."
Investment in Manufacturing and Equipment
Under the plans, the government will invest more in manufacturing munitions within the UK. The plan notes: "The government has re-established onshore manufacturing of heavy barrel ordnance with a new factory in Telford and using UK steel from Sheffield Forgemasters. These revived facilities are already delivering artillery to Ukraine and will provide the barrels for the Army's new RCH155 artillery howitzers." Additionally, new jets will be procured for a modernised fast-jet training system, allowing the Red Arrows to replace the ageing Hawk aircraft.
Secretary of State's Remarks
Secretary of State Dan Jarvis pointed to planning for 'the next war' as he introduced the plan. He said increased spending was 'only half the story', adding: "We have made tough choices, to stop doing things which were designed for another age, and invest in capabilities fit for the next war, not the last one." He emphasised that the Defence Investment Plan will energise transformation to rebuild warfighting readiness and target resources to reflect modern warfare.
Jarvis continued: "Artificial intelligence, autonomy and uncrewed systems are no longer capabilities of the future and these technologies will now receive the investment they need in the coming years to reflect their growing maturity and their strategic importance." He also highlighted international collaboration: "If we fight together then we should build together. We will accelerate deep precision strike weapons and close support artillery with Germany, and we will seek to create a new amphibious combined fleet with the Netherlands. We are also inviting more Joint Expeditionary Force nations to join our 'Northern Navies' initiative, to build our hybrid capabilities together."
Impact and Future Legislation
The plan backs British workers, businesses and innovation, securing sovereign technologies for the future including AI, autonomy, and quantum. A Defence Readiness Bill is expected later in Parliament to further implement these changes. The recall of veterans up to age 65 marks a significant shift in defence policy, aiming to bolster military readiness in an era of evolving threats.
