The United Kingdom’s new defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, has reversed previous government policy by committing the UK to join an American ballistic missile programme, reflecting a shift in defence investment priorities. Jarvis secured the change shortly after his first meeting with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, during the NATO defence ministerial meeting in Brussels on June 18.
The decision involves investing £190 million from an additional £1.5 billion defence budget increase, approved by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, into procuring the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The missile, developed by American defence firm Lockheed Martin and also supported by Australia, is a ground-launched, supersonic ballistic weapon capable of striking stationary targets up to 500 kilometers away. Each missile is valued at over £1 million.
This marks a departure from the stance of Jarvis’s three immediate predecessors, including John Healey, Ben Wallace, and Grant Shapps, who had previously declined to support the US missile programme, preferring to back domestic defence companies instead. A defence source indicated that previous ministers emphasized purchasing British-made equipment to reduce reliance on US systems. The source said the military had repeatedly sought to acquire the American missile but were directed to focus on developing UK capabilities.
The British Army has long advocated for extending its land-based strike capabilities as part of broader efforts to improve precision strike options over greater distances. There is concern that prioritizing less advanced domestic firms could leave the UK lacking critical capability before 2030, a horizon year identified by the government in the event of increased Russian military aggression in Europe.
Dr Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that there are currently no European missile systems matching the PrSM’s development maturity. The missile is compatible with the UK’s upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers and has seen combat use by US forces, including strikes against Iran.
Subject to final agreements with the US and Australia, the UK could begin receiving deliveries of the PrSM as early as 2027. The weapon is expected to enhance NATO’s collective defence posture by enabling forces to neutralize enemy systems and supply lines before they can threaten allied troops or territory.
The Ministry of Defence has highlighted that participation in the missile programme is likely to support UK jobs. Jarvis emphasized the importance of providing the armed forces with “the weapons they need” to safeguard the nation and NATO amid rising global security challenges.
Jarvis and Starmer are set to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, this week, where defence spending is expected to be a focal point, particularly with US President Donald Trump anticipated to pressure European allies on their contributions. Despite new funding, the UK’s defence spending is projected to reach 2.7 percent of gross national income by 2029.
Jarvis succeeded Healey as defence secretary following the latter’s resignation over funding concerns and has already gained favor within military leadership. Observers expect Jarvis to continue in his role under an anticipated Andy Burnham prime ministership, given his longstanding political alliances.
The UK’s commitment to the Precision Strike Missile programme underscores a strategic pivot toward greater interoperability with US and Australian defence efforts and reflects broader discussions about Europe's increasing role in its own collective security.