Britain is set to expand its fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines and overhaul military strategy as part of a sweeping Strategic Defence Review set to be unveiled on Monday.
The review, led by former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson and former White House Russia adviser Fiona Hill, is aimed at preparing the country for modern warfare and countering growing aggression from Russia.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing to restore the United Kingdom’s military capabilities following warnings from US President Donald Trump that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence.
In response, Starmer has pledged to increase defence spending from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027, with a longer-term ambition to reach 3 per cent.
“We cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses. We’ve seen what’s happened in Ukraine just over three years ago,” the Prime Minister told the BBC.
The review will call for the British armed forces to move to a state of “warfighting readiness”, laying out 62 recommendations, all of which the government is expected to adopt.
The proposals include the construction of at least six new munitions factories, procurement of up to 7,000 domestically produced long-range weapons, and the deployment of advanced cyber and tech systems to improve battlefield communication and defence.
Among the most significant changes, Britain will begin building up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines to replace its current fleet of seven, starting in the late 2030s.
These submarines, while nuclear-powered, will carry conventional weapons and are part of a joint design developed with the United States and Australia under the AUKUS security partnership.
The government also confirmed for the first time that its existing programme to develop a new nuclear warhead for its separate strategic deterrent fleet will cost £15 billion.
“With new state-of-the-art submarines patrolling international waters and our own nuclear warhead programme on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,” said Defence Secretary John Healey.
The announcement comes as the Starmer administration attempts to balance increased defence spending with a sluggish economy and stretched public finances. Amid political headwinds, Starmer is presenting the military investment as a route to economic revitalisation.
“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,” the Prime Minister is expected to say during his speech launching the review on Monday.
Boluwatife Enome
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