Britain is dialing up its undersea power: the Ministry of Defense has revealed plans to expand its nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet from seven to up to twelve by the late 2030s. These next-gen vessels will carry conventional weapons, boosting London's warfighting readiness in an era of evolving security threats.
At the heart of the Strategic Defense Review, due Monday, is a vision to align the UK's armed forces with modern conflict dynamics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027—aiming for 3% over the longer haul—following calls from international partners to step up Europe's own security responsibilities.
Key highlights:
- Submarine build-up: Up to 12 attack submarines co-developed under AUKUS, replacing the current fleet of seven.
- Nuclear warhead program: A €15 billion initiative to develop a new warhead model for Britain's nuclear deterrent.
- Tech investments: Launching a Digital Targeting Web powered by AI, new munitions factories, advanced signal jamming, and a unit dedicated to defensive and offensive cyber operations.
- Support for service members: Upgrades to military housing to bolster recruitment, retention and morale.
Defense Minister John Healey highlights that with state-of-the-art submarines patrolling waters and our warhead program advancing on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. The review also earmarks billions for munitions plants and battlefield tech, promising a blend of job creation and cutting-edge capability.
As geopolitical landscapes shift and new threats emerge—from cyberattacks to advanced missile systems—the Strategic Defense Review aims to future-proof the UK's military edge. For a generation wired into global trends, this marks a bold step in reshaping defense for the digital age.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
