Overview
- Sir Richard Knighton told MPs the MoD cannot fund all current programmes and Strategic Defence Review ambitions within the existing budget.
- He said the department projects it would exceed its allocation by year‑end without adjustments, with discussions underway with the Treasury on in‑year management.
- The long‑promised Defence Investment Plan remains delayed with no publication date, and ministers are weighing deferrals, reductions or revised ambitions.
- Knighton said the UK lacks a complete national plan to mobilise the NHS for sustained mass casualties in an Article 5‑level war, with the Cabinet Office developing a framework over the next 12–18 months.
- He warned the armed forces are not yet ready for a full‑scale modern conflict, and declined to confirm reported £28bn shortfall figures he called speculation.