UK to Build More Attack Submarines to Deter Russia
The United Kingdom plans to expand its fleet of attack submarines and increase investment in nuclear deterrence as part of a new defence strategy aimed at countering the threat from Russia.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the country's Ministry of Defence.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government will announce plans to spend £15 billion (about $20 billion) on a nuclear warhead programme and the construction of up to 12 new submarines.
This will take place within the framework of the AUKUS programme, which Britain is implementing jointly with the United States and Australia to strengthen its ‘readiness for combat operations’.
The Ministry of Defence noted that the expanded fleet will replace the existing Astute-class submarines, although this will not happen before the end of the 2030s.
According to the country's defence ministry, the nuclear warhead programme includes some of the most advanced and sensitive scientific, engineering and manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom.
‘Our exceptional submarines patrol 24/7, protecting us and our allies, but we know that threats are growing and we must act decisively to counter Russian aggression,’ said British Defence Secretary John Healey.
Details of the announced additional spending are expected to be outlined in the UK's strategic defence review, to be published on Monday.
The 130-page document will warn of the ‘immediate and urgent’ danger posed by Russia and is expected to draw heavily on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
But it will also focus on China, which will be described not as an enemy but as a ‘sophisticated and persistent challenge’ that is sometimes willing to cooperate with Moscow, and two smaller ‘regional disruptors’ — Iran and North Korea.
Britain also plans to increase investment in its own defence production by another £1.5 billion ($2.02 billion), which Minister Healey called ‘a signal to Moscow.’
In addition, Britain plans to expand its nuclear deterrent forces and, as part of this effort, is considering options for purchasing fighter jets capable of launching tactical nuclear weapons.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the UK Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce have agreed a £9 billion deal for nuclear submarine reactors, the largest ever between them.