A Powys MP has welcomed a £16.5 billion spending increase to the UK's Armed Forces, saying it will directly benefit the county.

Boris Johnson claimed he would "end the era of retreat" with what is being billed as the biggest programme of investment in Britain's armed forces since the end of the Cold War.

The Prime Minister is today laying out a four-year financial deal for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to "transform" the military, developing cutting-edge capabilities in the future battlefields of cyber and space.

It will include the creation of an agency dedicated to artificial intelligence, and a "space command" capable of launching the UK's first rocket by 2022.

The plan – which is being announced in the Commons on Thursday – will see the MoD get an additional £16.5 billion over and above the Government's manifesto commitment to a 0.5 per cent real terms increase for each year of the Parliament.

But the Conservative Party leader refused to rule out slashing the foreign aid budget by more than £4 billion as the Treasury looks to raise money to pay for the Government's borrowing during the coronavirus response.

The defence spending has been welcomed by Brecon & Radnor MP Fay Jones, who said she was "overwhelmingly proud" of the plans.

“The UK faces new and emerging threats. Alongside the £16.5 billion in additional military funding, I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new agency dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, the creation of a National Cyber Force and a new Space Command," she said.

“This announcement will directly benefit Brecon and Radnorshire, where the Army has a significant presence. The Army’s Wales Headquarters are based at Brecon Barracks, we are also home to Sennybridge Training Area and the Infantry Battle School.

“Taking part in the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme has really opened my eyes to the sterling job our armed forces already do, but this significant funding boost will enable them to confront the challenges of the 21st Century with the backing and support they deserve.”

But Jane Dodds, the Welsh Lib Dem leader and Ms Jones' predecessor in the seat, said: "This is good news but as always the devil is in the detail. I look forward to more info on what this will mean in practice.

"Big questions remain about potential cuts to Army numbers and the future of MoD facilities in Wales – particularly Brecon Barracks."