London: The United Kingdom will construct 'up to 12' nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines as part of the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United States, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced. This development was unveiled as the government presented its major defence review.
According to Emirates News Agency, Starmer promised to implement extensive changes to British defences. He emphasized that his government would make "Britain's biggest contribution to NATO since its creation," and affirmed, "We will never fight alone. Our defence policy will always be NATO-first."
The government outlined these military plans following a strategic defence review commissioned by Starmer and led by George Robertson, a former UK Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary-General. The plans include boosting the production of submarines and weapons, investing in innovation, and establishing a cyber command to address threats to Britain's defences.
Other initiatives involve investing 15 billion pounds ($20.3 billion) in Britain's nuclear arsenal, which includes missiles on a select number of submarines. The plans also aim to enhance Britain's conventional weapons stockpiles with six new munitions factories and up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons. Additionally, the development of new airborne and land drones, as well as a 'hybrid Navy' comprising autonomous vessels and crewed ships, is on the agenda. There is also a commitment of 1 billion pounds for UK air defences and the formation of a home guard to protect critical national infrastructure as part of a 'whole-of-society approach' to defence.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated that plans for defence spending to reach 2.5 percent of national income by 2027 are 'on track' and expressed confidence that it will rise to 3 percent before 2034.