Britain announced on Monday a major defence review that includes the construction of 12 new attack submarines as part of a broader plan to shift the country towards “war-fighting readiness” following growing concerns over Russian aggression and evolving global threats.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking in Glasgow, warned that “the threat we now face is more serious, more immediate and more unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War.” He highlighted the dangers of ongoing war in Europe, new nuclear risks, constant cyberattacks, and increasing Russian hostility near British waters and airspace.
The Strategic Defence Review, which evaluates current threats and outlines future defence priorities, signals that the UK is entering a “new era of threat.” Starmer outlined three key changes: moving the armed forces towards war-fighting readiness as their core purpose, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to NATO as its top defence priority, and accelerating military innovation at a wartime pace to counter both current and future challenges.
Defence Secretary John Healey, addressing Parliament, echoed these concerns, pledging to make the British Army “10 times more lethal” by integrating advanced drone technology and artificial intelligence alongside traditional weapons such as tanks and artillery.
The review follows years of heightened tensions with Russia, alongside fears that US support for European defence may wane. Starmer called the review a “blueprint for strength and security for decades to come,” emphasising the growing role of new technologies on the battlefield.
The government has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027—the largest sustained increase since the Cold War—and aims to increase it further to 3% by 2029, partly funded by cuts to overseas aid.
Key investment plans from the review include:
£1.5 billion for at least six factories producing munitions and energetics
Procurement of 7,000 domestically made long-range weapons
£6 billion on munitions during the current parliamentary term
Building up to 12 new attack submarines in partnership with Australia and the United States under the AUKUS alliance
£15 billion investment in the UK’s nuclear warhead programme
£1 billion pledged for the creation of a cyber command to enhance battlefield capabilities
Currently, the UK operates seven Astute Class nuclear-powered attack submarines, which are due to be replaced by the new AUKUS submarines from the late 2030s.
The review also addresses threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, described by former NATO secretary general George Robertson as a “deadly quartet.” However, the UK’s tone towards China is notably softer under Starmer’s Labour government, reflecting attempts to improve relations, in contrast to the previous Conservative administration’s stance.
While Russia is described as an “immediate and pressing” threat, China is labelled a “sophisticated and persistent challenge.” The review comes following US calls for NATO members to bolster their defences, with reports suggesting the UK may consider acquiring nuclear-capable aircraft from the United States.