UK arms donations to Ukraine cost £2.71bn to replace

The National Audit Office reported that the UK has donated arms and equipment to Ukraine, which would cost £2.71 billion to replace. This figure is in addition to the £7.8 billion already committed by the UK government since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The report highlights that the cost of replacing military supplies exceeds their recorded value due to the Ministry of Defence's intention to replace them at current market prices. The rate of donations has significantly decreased as stockpiles are nearly depleted, raising concerns about the UK's military readiness. The Army has warned that continued donations could leave it temporarily weaker, necessitating a balance between supporting Ukraine and maintaining the UK's own military capabilities. The audit does not evaluate the value for money of the war in Ukraine but emphasizes the financial implications of replenishing military stockpiles. The UK has provided various military assets, including tanks, armoured vehicles, and missiles, but the value of donations has dropped sharply from £130 million in 2022/23 to £15.9 million in 2023/4. Future arms donations will likely require manufacturing new weapons, as the UK has exhausted surplus stock. Funding for replenishment will initially come from Treasury contingency reserves, with £1 billion of arms replacement contracts already allocated out of the total £2.71 billion requested. The Ministry of Defence faces significant budget shortfalls, with a cumulative deficit of £16.9 billion over ten years, complicating the replenishment process. The Defence Secretary has indicated a commitment to increasing defence spending to address these challenges.