UK TO BUILD 12 NEW ATTACK SUBMARINES IN MAJOR DEFENCE SHAKE-UP AMID RISING GLOBAL THREATS
Read Time:2 Minute, 21 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The United Kingdom has unveiled an ambitious Strategic Defence Review, pledging to construct 12 new attack submarines as part of sweeping efforts to counter rising global threats and modernise its military capabilities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a Monday interview with the BBC, said Britain is facing an unprecedented level of instability and security threats, with Russian aggression, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions necessitating bold action. Starmer described the new defence strategy as a “blueprint for strength and security for decades to come,” emphasising the importance of readiness for warfighting, greater integration of military forces, and a renewed commitment to NATO.
The review, led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, concludes that the UK is entering a “new era of threat,” shaped by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and drone warfare. It warns that Russia presents an immediate and pressing danger, while also identifying ongoing threats from Iran, North Korea, and China, the latter of which is described as a complex and persistent challenge.
The Labour government, determined to reassert Britain’s role in global security, is significantly increasing defence spending despite fiscal constraints. A key feature of the review is the strengthening of the UK’s strategic deterrence, including a multi-billion-pound investment in nuclear capabilities and the expansion of munitions production infrastructure. These moves come alongside a commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term aim of reaching three percent in the next parliamentary term.
The government also reaffirmed its dedication to the AUKUS military alliance with Australia and the United States, confirming that the new attack submarines would form part of this trilateral partnership. Additionally, a £1 billion investment was recently announced to establish a new cyber command, reflecting the growing importance of digital security in modern defence planning.
While Starmer’s administration has taken a more measured tone toward China compared to previous governments, the review maintains that China remains a significant strategic challenge. This nuanced stance reflects Labour’s effort to reset relations with Beijing, which had deteriorated under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the need for robust deterrence in the face of evolving threats, adding that the review was designed to address not only conventional military risks but also hybrid and cyber warfare, which now play a central role in global conflict.
The review replaces the last defence assessment initiated in 2021 and revised in 2023, and comes at a time when Washington is pressing NATO allies to strengthen their defences amid questions about the reliability of U.S. support under a potential second Trump administration. Britain’s new posture, officials say, sends a clear message that it remains committed to its security obligations and prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly shifting global landscape.
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