The United Kingdom has announced plans to construct up to 12 new attack submarines, marking a significant expansion of its naval capabilities. This announcement comes ahead of the release of a Strategic Defence Review by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government on Monday.
Starmer described the move as essential to meet “greater instability and threats” than the UK has seen in decades, citing growing Russian aggression, the threat of a weakened NATO without US leadership, and the transformation of warfare through drones and artificial intelligence.
Key Highlights:
•12 New Attack Submarines: To be built under the AUKUS alliance with the United States and Australia.
•Defence Spending Surge: Commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with ambitions to hit 3% by 2029.
•Munitions Investment:
•£1.5 billion for at least six new munitions factories.
•£6 billion for replenishing weapons stockpiles during this parliamentary term.
•7,000 long-range weapons to be domestically produced.
•£15 billion to be spent on expanding the UK’s nuclear warhead programme.
Starmer emphasized the review was driven by realism and readiness:
“The principles are clear: war-fighting readiness, integrating our forces, and a NATO-first approach.”
The Strategic Defence Review, led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, frames the UK’s defence posture for a “new era of threat” and positions Britain to play a central role in European and global security—especially as US foreign policy under a potential second Trump presidency remains uncertain.
The submarines will be part of the UK’s long-term AUKUS commitment, reinforcing its Indo-Pacific security presence and bolstering deterrence capabilities at sea.
Analysis:
This ambitious defence push signals the UK’s intent to reassert itself as a major military power. With war in Europe ongoing and geopolitical tensions escalating globally, London is clearly positioning itself for long-term strategic autonomy—even if it comes at the cost of cutting foreign aid budgets.
