The UK will boost its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and push defence readiness in response to evolving global threats and shifting U.S. security commitments under President Trump.
Britain will significantly expand its fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of a broader strategic defence overhaul, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government announced ahead of Monday’s Strategic Defence Review. The decision comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the country plans to build up to 12 next-generation nuclear-powered submarines, which will carry conventional weapons. These will gradually replace the current fleet of seven, starting from the late 2030s. The submarines are part of a trilateral collaboration with the U.S. and Australia under the AUKUS security partnership.
In a related move, the government disclosed for the first time that the development of a new nuclear warhead for the UK's separate fleet of nuclear-armed submarines will cost £15 billion.
Defence Minister John Healey underscored the urgency of the investments, citing heightened threats, particularly from Russia. “We know that threats are increasing and we must act decisively to face down Russian aggression,” he said.
The Strategic Defence Review will lay out plans to transition Britain’s armed forces to “warfighting readiness,” identifying evolving threats and the technologies required to meet them. The government has already pledged billions for munitions production, battlefield innovation, and military infrastructure in advance of the review.
Starmer, addressing the economic constraints and political pressures his administration faces, has positioned defence investment as both a national security imperative and an economic opportunity. He reiterated his pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching 3%.
“This plan will ensure Britain is secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering a defence dividend of well-paid jobs up and down the country,” Starmer is expected to say at the launch of the review.
Trump said the U.S. and Iran were making progress in peace talks, though direct negotiations remain premature. Meanwhile, Israel, reportedly, ...
A senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Wednesday (6 May), highlighting ongoing ...
European Union countries and European Parliament lawmakers have agreed on a softened version of the bloc’s l...
Reports that Emmanuel Macron planned to cross from Armenia into Türkiye via their closed border - and was reportedly blocked following co...
Israel carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday evening, the first such attack th...
Trump said the U.S. and Iran were making progress in peace talks, though direct negotiations remain premature. Meanwhile, Israel, reportedly, struck senior Hezbollah and Hamas figures and tensions over Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear programme continue.
A senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Wednesday (6 May), highlighting ongoing tensions despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted a swift end to the war with Iran, as Tehran considers a U.S.-backed peace proposal that sources say could formally end the conflict but leaves several core disputes unresolved.
Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.
Trump said the U.S. and Iran were making progress in peace talks, though direct negotiations remain premature. Meanwhile, Israel, reportedly, struck senior Hezbollah and Hamas figures and tensions over Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear programme continue.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran wanted to negotiate and make a deal in comments to reporters on Wednesday (6 May). But earlier, he warned Washington would ramp up attacks if no agreement was reached.
Argentinian authorities are reconstructing the journeys of Dutch citizens who presented with symptoms of deadly hantavirus after visiting Argentina and Chile as part of a luxury cruise trip, the country's Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (6 May)
The United Arab Emirate said it was dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran for the second day in a row on Tuesday (5 May), despite denials from authorities in Tehran who threatened a "crushing response" if the UAE retaliated.
The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.
European Union countries and European Parliament lawmakers have agreed on a softened version of the bloc’s landmark artificial intelligence rules, including delayed implementation, in a move critics say reflects growing concessions to major technology firms.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains central to efforts to curb nuclear arms. More than 50 years after entering into force, it faces mounting pressure from geopolitical rivalry, modernisation and disputes over disarmament.
Latvian authorities said two drones entered NATO member Latvia from Russian territory and crashed on Thursday morning, with officials linking them to Ukraine’s wider drone operations against targets in Russia.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 7th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Global investors are showing early signs of diversification away from U.S. Treasuries as worldwide debt levels climbed to a record $353 trillion by the end of March of 2026, according to a new report from the Institute of International Finance (IIF) published on 6 May.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment