ISLAMABAD: In a significant shift aimed at countering modern threats, the United Kingdom has announced a major expansion of its nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet as part of a new defence strategy to be unveiled this week.
The Strategic Defence Review, to be published on Monday, focuses on strengthening the British armed forces in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgent need to move toward “warfighting readiness,” stating during a visit to BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Scotland, “The moment has arrived to transform how we defend ourselves.” He pledged to reverse the decline in military capabilities following the Cold War and boost defence spending, including cutting the aid budget to redirect funds.
Modernisation of Military Capabilities
Despite past reductions in defence funding, the UK remains one of Europe’s most formidable military powers.
The review recommends expanding defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an aim to eventually reach 3%.
This funding will support a 10-year military programme crafted by a panel including former NATO Secretary General George Robertson and ex-White House Russia adviser Fiona Hill.
The review outlines 62 recommendations, including the construction of six new munitions factories, procurement of 7,000 long-range weapons, and the implementation of advanced communication systems for battlefield use.
Additionally, a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will oversee digital warfare capabilities, responding to over 90,000 cyber threats targeting UK military infrastructure over the past two years.
AUKUS Submarines and Nuclear Deterrence
A key highlight of the review is the plan to build up to 12 next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines to replace the aging fleet of seven by the late 2030s.
These submarines, although nuclear-powered, will be equipped with conventional weapons and developed under the trilateral AUKUS security pact involving the UK, US, and Australia.
The UK has also, for the first time, disclosed a projected cost of £15 billion for replacing nuclear warheads in a separate strategic submarine fleet — an expenditure expected before the next general elections in 2029.
