The representatives of the United States government have warned the British military about the importance of reducing dependence on American weapons under the new administration.

The Times reported on this.

According to the publication, a senior British military officer who is not part of the government received a private warning from American officials that London should “recalibrate” its defense policy.

This happened after the Trump administration allegedly made statements that the UK was receiving military equipment too cheaply.

“They said we shouldn’t have bought American equipment, and there was a feeling in the US administration that they should’ve billed the UK for getting defense equipment on the cheap,” the source told The Times.

In particular, it is believed that London had signed an unfairly cheap deal for the purchase of Trident intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“We’ve been trying to tell people to readjust. The old confidence is gone,” The Times writes, citing American officials.

It is reported that the US administration might impose restrictions on the supply of equipment from the US because “missiles and planes won’t fly if you don’t do what you’re told.”

It is worth noting that the UK remains a top-level ally for the US, and their defense systems are closely integrated.

However, a deterioration in relations could threaten the implementation of strategic programs, including the procurement of F-35 fighters.

The UK increases defense spending

On February 25th, it was reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the largest increase in UK defense spending since the Cold War.

It is planned that the British government would increase the defense budget to 2.5% of GDP starting in April 2027, and then to 3%.

This step is part of a strategy aimed at strengthening national security, stimulating economic growth, and protecting British interests in the face of growing global instability.

The British government plans to allocate funds for the development of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and space technologies.