More people joined the Regular Armed Forces than left for the fourth consecutive quarter, giving Defence its longest uninterrupted period of recruitment growth over departures since 2021, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Figures published on 3 September show a net gain of 1,460 personnel in the year to 30 June 2026, with Regular strength increasing across all three Services. Royal Navy and Royal Marines strength rose by 440 over the year, the Army by 170 and the Royal Air Force by 840.

The number of full-time military personnel available to support Defence operations also increased by 1,450 compared with 1 July 2025. Fully trained personnel available for operations rose for a third consecutive quarter, including the first increase in Army trade-trained strength since late 2021, alongside further growth in the Royal Navy and RAF.

The MOD said intake has been rising while the number of personnel leaving has continued to fall since late 2023, producing the year-long period in which recruitment has exceeded departures.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “There has never been a better or more important time to join our Armed Forces. Under this government, those serving and joining up now can be certain of increased investment in defence and our people. That means better equipment, better housing and better support for them and their families.

“I am determined that serving our nation gives people the skills and opportunities to thrive during their service and beyond, no matter their background.”

The latest figures follow a series of changes to military pay, accommodation and recruitment policy. According to the MOD, Service personnel have received a cumulative 14.1% pay rise since July 2024, while every full-time member of the Armed Forces is now paid at least the National Living Wage, said the Government.

The government also say in their announcement that they are investing more than £7 billion in military housing during the current Parliament. The MOD said recruitment rules have been changed to remove more than 100 policies which had previously prevented some applicants from joining, including restrictions involving hay fever, eczema, acne and fully healed injuries.

New entry routes have also been introduced for specialist roles, including the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme, intended to bring personnel with high-demand technical skills directly into Defence.

The MOD said rebuilding personnel numbers would take time after recruitment and retention targets were missed for 14 consecutive years, but the latest statistics show Regular strength increasing across each Service at the same time as trained strength continues to rise.

The Armed Forces remain a major provider of apprenticeships and vocational training, with military careers covering engineering, healthcare, cyber, digital and other specialist areas. The Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have also regularly appeared among the leading employers in The Times Apprenticeship Rankings.