Statistics published by the Ministry of Defence on 3 September 2026 showed more people joining the Regular Armed Forces than leaving for a fourth consecutive quarter, described as the longest such run since 2021. Regular strength rose across all three Services in the year: the Royal Navy/Royal Marines were up 440, the Army up 170 and the RAF up 840.

Intake rose steadily while outflow declined since late 2023, giving a net gain of 1,460 personnel in the year to 30 June 2026, according to the release. Full-time military personnel available to support Defence operations increased by 1,450 since 1 July 2025, and fully trained Tri-Service personnel available for operations rose for a third consecutive quarter, with an increase first recorded as of 1 January 2026, reportedly the first such rise since late 2021.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the progress, citing pay rises and £9bn in housing funding. The release said the government inherited recruitment and retention challenges in 2024, with targets missed every year for the past 14 years, and that rebuilding the workforce would take time.