NATO to invest GBP37bn to build deep precision strike capability

A new initiative will see the UK and 11 other NATO allies invest GBP37 billion into the development of deep precision strike capabilities over the next decade.  

Announced at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey on 8 July, the investment is intended to deliver “the most advanced weapons” to NATO.  

The UK is leading the initiative, with the country already committing GBP3 billion by 2030 in its Defence Investment Plan (DIP) – released in June 2026 – towards developing deep precision strike capabilities through a range of programmes and projects.  

While a statement from the UK Government does not list the exact countries taking part in the new initiative, it says that all participating NATO allies are based in Europe, meaning that the US is a notable absence from the initiative.  

Deep precision strike  

According to the UK, the strike capability is expected to accurately hit targets at least 300km away, and in some instances reach targets at distances beyond 2,000km.  

The UK highlights that the Ukrainian conflict has demonstrated the “effective use” of long-range systems.  

“With deep precision strike capability, the UK and our allies will be able to hit high value military targets and the logistical engines that drive armies,” UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, said.  

Long-range fire programmes 

While the US is not part of this deep precision strike initiative, the UK announced in the DIP that it would join Australia and the US on the Precision Strike Missile programme.  

This programme will provide the countries with a supersonic ballistic missile capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 500km. To support the programme, the UK is contributing GBP190 million in funding, part of its GBP3 billion investment outlined in the DIP.  

Further funding outlined in the UK’s DIP includes GBP1.4 billion over the next four years that will go towards project ‘Stratus’, first announced in 2017. 

This is a project between France, Italy, and the UK to develop stealth and high-speed missiles. These missiles are intended to be successors to the ‘Storm Shadow’ missile, capable of targeting ships and neutralising air defence systems.

Meanwhile, over the next four years, the UK also will invest GBP770 million into the Trinity House agreement with Germany. This agreement sets out the accelerated delivery of stealth and hypersonic weapons with a range of more than 2,000km. 

While initially established in October 2024 to develop ground-launched capabilities, the agreement has since been expanded to include air and naval capabilities.