UK plans to build 12 new attack submarines
Britain revealed plans to construct 12 new attack submarines as it prepares to unveil a significant defense review on Monday, aimed at addressing "increasing" Russian hostility and the evolving nature of warfare.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned on BBC radio that “there is more instability in defense and security than there has been for many, many years, along with greater threats.”
His Labour administration is set to release its Strategic Defence Review, a document designed to evaluate the dangers facing the UK.
According to the review, Britain is entering “a new era of threat” due to the impact of drones and artificial intelligence on modern warfare, as reported by The Guardian over the weekend.
“I wanted a review that accurately identified the challenges we currently face and are likely to encounter in the foreseeable future,” Starmer stated.
“And the principles are straightforward: readiness for war, integration of our forces… and a NATO-first strategy,” he continued.
In response to the risk posed by Russia and concerns that US President Donald Trump may withdraw support for Europe, the UK has been hurriedly rearming.
Starmer noted it would act as “a blueprint for strength and security for decades to come.”
– ‘Continuous attacks’ –
His government committed in February to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, marking “the largest sustained rise in defense expenditure since the Cold War's conclusion.”
Despite facing budget limitations, the aim is to elevate spending to three percent by the next parliamentary term, expected in 2029.
The Labour government has indicated it will reduce UK overseas aid to finance this spending increase.
Following the recommendations of the review, led by former NATO secretary general George Robertson, the government announced on Sunday that it would enhance stockpiles and weapons production capacity, which could be expanded if necessary.
This plan includes £1.5 billion ($2 billion) for establishing “at least six munitions and energetics factories,” procuring 7,000 domestically produced long-range weapons, and investing £6 billion in munitions during the current parliamentary term.
Additionally, the government confirmed late Sunday that it would construct up to 12 new attack submarines as part of its AUKUS military partnership with Australia and the United States, along with a £15 billion investment in its nuclear warhead program.
Last week, the defense ministry committed £1 billion to establish a “cyber command” to assist in battlefield operations.
“We’re navigating a rapidly changing world… one filled with increasing threats,” Defence Secretary John Healey stated during an interview with the BBC on Sunday.
“This includes rising Russian aggression, daily cyberattacks, emerging nuclear risks, and escalating tensions in various global regions,” he added.
– ‘Complex challenge’ –
The last defense review was initiated in 2021 by the previous Conservative government and was updated in 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
When introducing the new review, Robertson indicated it would address threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, referring to them as a “deadly quartet.”
However, in an op-ed in The Sun newspaper, Starmer did not reference China, while cautioning that “The Kremlin is collaborating closely with its allies in Iran and North Korea.”
The more lenient stance on China aligns with the Labour government’s attempts to improve relations with Beijing, which deteriorated significantly under the leadership of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative government.
The review classifies Russia as an “immediate and pressing” danger, while depicting China as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge,” according to The Guardian.
As Washington urges its NATO partners to strengthen their defenses, Britain is contemplating enhancing its deterrent by acquiring nuclear-missile-capable aircraft from the United States, as reported by The Sunday Times.
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