UK Ranks Second-to-Last in New NATO Ranking

The United Kingdom has been ranked 31st out of 32 NATO member states in a new assessment measuring how well countries are fulfilling their commitments to strengthen and modernize their armed forces, according to The Times.

The ranking, which is expected to be published later this month, evaluates each member state’s progress in meeting NATO targets for developing military capabilities and improving defense readiness.

The only country ranked below the United Kingdom, according to the media, is Iceland, which does not have its own armed forces. However, it plays an important role in the Alliance’s Arctic strategy.

British ministers hope that, following the release of a new defense investment plan, the country will be able to move up in the ranking.

The assessment takes into account a state’s ability to present a realistic plan for achieving NATO’s military objectives.

The United Kingdom is expected to provide a fully funded plan that clearly defines its contribution to the Alliance’s capabilities, in addition to the Trident nuclear program.

This contribution will include two army divisions, artillery, ammunition, as well as two aircraft carriers equipped with F-35 fighter jets and other combat aircraft.

The plan will also specify which forces the United Kingdom is expected to provide, at what stage they will be deployed, and on what scale.

A UK government spokesperson stated:

“We are the only European NATO member that has placed its entire nuclear deterrent under NATO command. We have consistently met our NATO defense spending commitments and remain one of the Alliance’s largest contributors, ranking third in total defense spending. The UK plays a key role in NATO operations, from policing the Alliance’s eastern airspace to deploying aircraft carrier strike groups in the North Atlantic and maintaining a permanent presence in NATO’s Arctic mission, Arctic Sentry.”

As previously reported, despite announcing the initiative a year ago, the UK still has no concrete plan to produce 7,000 long-range missiles.