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.
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Cuba has rejected suggestions that the future of its political system or President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s term was discussed in talks ...
Fourteen people died and 25 were seriously injured in a fire at a car parts factory in the South Korean city of Da...
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators will hold talks in Miami on Saturday that could lay the groundwork for another meeting between U.S. President Don...
Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday (22 March) in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-w...
Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday (22 March) in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Janša.
Iceland could reopen talks on joining the European Union after a 13-year pause, as shifting security concerns and renewed economic debate bring EU membership back to the centre of national politics.
Italy will vote on 22 and 23 March in a judicial reform referendum that could reshape the justice system and test Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s political strength ahead of the 2027 general election.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 21 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel reportedly launched a fresh wave of attacks on Iran on Friday (20 March), a day after U.S. President Donald Trump told it not to repeat its strikes on Iranian natural gas infrastructure, which sharply escalated the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris, the martial artist, actor and cultural icon best known for his roles in action films and the long-running CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86.
Transport groups across the Philippines launched a nationwide strike on Thursday in protest against rising oil prices. The action affected 15 to 20 protest centres in Metro Manila, with similar demonstrations taking place across several major provinces.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has refused to lift his opposition to a €90 billion ($104 billion) European Union loan to help Ukraine keep up its fight against Russia’s invasion, following a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday (19 March).
President Donald Trump says the U.S. may start winding down operations against Iran but insists other nations must secure the Strait of Hormuz. Overnight, Israeli strikes hit Tehran and Beirut, while the UK approved the use of its bases for U.S. strikes.
Cuba has rejected suggestions that the future of its political system or President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s term was discussed in talks with the United States, after reports Washington wanted him removed from power.
Fourteen people died and 25 were seriously injured in a fire at a car parts factory in the South Korean city of Daejeon, fire authorities said on Saturday (21 March).
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators will hold talks in Miami on Saturday that could lay the groundwork for another meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a source familiar with the matter said.
Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday (22 March) in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Janša.
Iceland could reopen talks on joining the European Union after a 13-year pause, as shifting security concerns and renewed economic debate bring EU membership back to the centre of national politics.
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