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.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety", but gave...
China announced a sweeping inspection of fire-safety standards in high-rise buildings nationwide on Saturday after a deadly fire in Hong Kong left at ...
The death toll from floods and landslides following cyclonic rains in the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 303, the head of the country's dis...
Hong Kong on Saturday mourned the 128 people known to have died in a massive fire at a high-rise apartment complex, a toll that is likely to rise with...
The global recall of Airbus A320 aircraft has triggered widespread disruption across several major airlines, forcing flight cancellations in the Unite...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety", but gave no further details.
At least 153 people have been killed in Sri Lanka after landslides and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah, officials said on Saturday, with 191 others missing and more than half a million affected nationwide.
China announced a sweeping inspection of fire-safety standards in high-rise buildings nationwide on Saturday after a deadly fire in Hong Kong left at least 128 people dead.
The death toll from floods and landslides following cyclonic rains in the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 303, the head of the country's disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday, up from a previous figure of 174.
At least 47 people have died and another 21 are reported missing following ten days of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka, local media reported on Thursday (27 November).
Hong Kong fire authorities said they expected to wrap up search and rescue operations on Friday after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years tore through a massive apartment complex, killing at least 128 people, injuring 79 and leaving around 200 still missing.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited sailors aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier in the Latin American region on Thursday, amid a military buildup by President Donald Trump’s administration that has heightened tensions with Venezuela.
At least 153 people have been killed in Sri Lanka after landslides and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah, officials said on Saturday, with 191 others missing and more than half a million affected nationwide.
The Spanish agricultural sector has been placed on high alert following the confirmation that African Swine Fever (ASF) has resurfaced in the country for the first time in over thirty years.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety", but gave no further details.
China announced a sweeping inspection of fire-safety standards in high-rise buildings nationwide on Saturday after a deadly fire in Hong Kong left at least 128 people dead.
The death toll from floods and landslides following cyclonic rains in the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 303, the head of the country's disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday, up from a previous figure of 174.
Hong Kong on Saturday mourned the 128 people known to have died in a massive fire at a high-rise apartment complex, a toll that is likely to rise with 150 still missing days after the disaster.
The global recall of Airbus A320 aircraft has triggered widespread disruption across several major airlines, forcing flight cancellations in the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment