Twelve Nato allies, including the UK, are set to spend more than £37bn ($50bn) over the next 10 years on a new long-range missile project aimed at protecting Europe. The initiative, dubbed Deep Precision Strike, was unveiled by No 10 and is scheduled for discussion at the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Sir Keir Starmer, attending his final Nato summit as prime minister, is expected to highlight the threat posed by Russia. The government stated that Nato fighter jets have intercepted Russian aircraft approaching allied airspace over 700 times, and Russian military activity around UK waters has surged by 30%.
The Deep Precision Strike project is described as one of Nato’s most advanced weapons, intended to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy at distances of nearly 200 miles (300km), potentially extending to 1,250 miles. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the plan reflects a recognition of a more dangerous world and aims to strengthen Europe within Nato.
However, the project is not expected to be operational until the 2030s. This announcement comes as Nato members agreed last year to spend 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035, a target that Sir Keir is reportedly facing criticism for not yet outlining a clear plan to reach for the UK.
At the summit, Sir Keir is expected to emphasize that while Nato does not seek confrontation with Russia, it must be prepared to defend all its allies. Cooper added that the deep precision strike capability would allow the UK and its allies to hit high-value military targets and logistical hubs, deterring aggressors and enhancing mutual security. She conveyed a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Nato is stronger, more European, and ready to defend its citizens against the threat from Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also addressed the summit, urging allies to provide urgently needed air defence systems to counter escalating Russian attacks. Ukraine has been conducting its own long-range drone and missile strikes against Russian oil refineries and military targets, causing significant fuel shortages and power outages.
A Downing Street statement noted that Ukraine’s long-range strikes have proven effective in degrading Russia’s ability to sustain offensives. Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that Russia would closely monitor the summit and that any new weapons supplied to Kyiv would not prevent Russia from achieving its objectives in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that statements made concerning Russia at the summit were confrontational rather than constructive, and that Russia still prefers a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict.
But on Wednesday the prime minister will convene around a dozen leaders to discuss the new missile programme.
In June, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of the presence of US forces in Europe.
