Over 1,000 government-issued devices have gone missing from the British Ministry of Defense over the past two years
The UK Ministry of Defence has incurred losses of over £1.6 million due to the loss or theft of government-issued equipment. Over the past two years, the department has lost more than a thousand electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
The data was released by British media citing information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
According to the report, between January 2024 and March 2026, 545 laptops and tablets, as well as 744 mobile phones, went missing. At the same time, none of the lost devices were ever returned or found.
According to official data, 132 laptops and tablets, as well as 36 phones, were stolen, while the rest of the equipment was likely lost by Defense Ministry employees.
The Ministry of Defense estimated that the total cost of replacing the lost devices amounts to approximately £1.63 million.
The situation has drawn additional attention amid discussions regarding the funding of British defense. Currently, the military department is insisting on increased budget spending to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, while the UK Treasury seeks to limit additional government spending.
The loss of a large number of military assets raises questions about asset control and the effective use of budget funds in the British defense sector.
Previously, the UK had also expressed concern about the pace of implementation of programs to strengthen defense and modernize the armed forces.
This was reported by Sky News.
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