The UK government has announced plans to construct up to 12 new attack submarines as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national defence in response to increasing global threats, particularly from Russia.
The announcement comes ahead of the release of the Labour government’s Strategic Defence Review, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer said will address “growing instability in defence and security” and the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Starmer said:
“There is greater instability on defence and security than there has been for many, many years, and greater threats.”
He described the review as a “blueprint for strength and security for decades to come,” focusing on readiness for warfare, integrating armed forces, and a firm commitment to NATO.
New Era of Threats
According to The Guardian, the review warns that the UK is entering a “new era of threat”, driven by technological advances such as artificial intelligence and drones.
Key defence priorities highlighted in the review include increased defence spending, rising to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a target of 3% in the next parliamentary term, £15 billion investment in the nuclear warhead programme, £1.5 billion for at least six new munitions and energetics factories, Procurement of 7,000 domestically produced long-range weapons, £6 billion allocated for munitions over the current parliamentary term and Creation of a new cyber command with a £1 billion budget.
These plans are based on recommendations from the review led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson.
The AUKUS Alliance & Global Defence
The submarine project is part of the UK’s commitment to the AUKUS alliance with the United States and Australia. The move comes amid fears that the U.S. under a potential second Donald Trump presidency might pull back from defending Europe.
Defence Secretary John Healey cited “growing Russian aggression, daily cyberattacks, new nuclear risks, and rising tensions globally” as major concerns.
Strategic Rivals and Diplomatic Balance
The review identifies Russia as an “immediate and pressing threat” and labels China as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge.” It also names Iran and North Korea as part of what Robertson called a “deadly quartet.”
Interestingly, while Starmer mentioned Russia, Iran, and North Korea in an op-ed for The Sun, he avoided directly naming China—a move seen as part of Labour’s effort to improve strained UK-China relations after years of tension under the previous Conservative government.
Looking Ahead
With NATO pushing its members to take greater responsibility for their defence, Britain is reportedly considering purchasing nuclear-capable aircraft from the U.S., according to The Sunday Times. While not confirmed, Defence Secretary Healey emphasized that:
“Strong deterrence is absolutely essential in order to keep Britain and the British people safe.”
