LONDON (AP) — In a bold move signaling a shift in defense policy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the United Kingdom will invest in new nuclear-powered attack submarines and enhance the readiness of its army to confront potential conflicts in Europe. This announcement comes as part of a significant increase in military spending designed to communicate a clear message to both Moscow and Washington.
Starmer emphasized that the U.K. cannot overlook the growing threat from Russia, pledging to implement the most comprehensive changes to British defense strategy since the dissolution of the Soviet Union over thirty years ago. Speaking to workers and journalists at a navy shipyard in Scotland, Starmer stated, “The threat we face is more serious, more immediate and more unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War.”
The backdrop of this announcement is Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has prompted a reevaluation of defense priorities among NATO members, including the U.K. The government’s announcement follows a strategic defense review commissioned by Starmer and led by George Robertson, a former U.K. defense secretary and NATO secretary general. This review, the first since 2021, reflects a world altered by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, alongside geopolitical shifts following the recent reelection of former President Donald Trump.
Just months after the last major defense review was published, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed confidence that the era of engaging in large-scale tank battles in Europe had ended. However, this perception was swiftly challenged by Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, highlighting the need for a reassessment of defense strategies.
Starmer’s government, aligned with the center-left Labour Party, plans to adopt all 62 recommendations from the review, focusing on strengthening the U.K.’s ability to combat threats across land, air, sea, and cyberspace. The proposed measures aim to ramp up the production of submarines and military equipment while integrating lessons learned from Ukraine’s swift advancements in drone technology to counteract Russian forces.
Among the key initiatives discussed are:
— The construction of “up to 12” nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines as part of the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United States.
— An investment of 15 billion pounds ($20.3 billion) into enhancing Britain’s nuclear arsenal, which currently relies on a limited number of missile-armed submarines.
— The establishment of six new munitions factories to bolster conventional weapons stockpiles, with a goal of producing up to 7,000 long-range weapons domestically.
— The development of airborne and land drones, alongside a “hybrid Navy” that encompasses both autonomous vessels and crewed ships.
— A commitment of 1 billion pounds to enhance the U.K.’s air defenses.
— The creation of a civilian home guard to protect critical national infrastructure, part of a strategy aimed at a “whole-of-society approach” to defense, which has garnered some lighthearted comparison to the World War II sitcom “Dad’s Army.”
Starmer projected that these rearmament efforts would result in a “defense dividend” of thousands of well-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector, contrasting with the post-Cold War “peace dividend” that redirected defense funding to other areas.
Defense Secretary John Healey highlighted that the announcement reflects a robust message to Moscow and indicates significant transformations in the UK military after years of reductions. However, he noted that the British Army, currently at its lowest personnel levels in two centuries with about 74,000 soldiers, may not see an increase until the early 2030s.
Healey confirmed that the plans for defense spending to reach 2.5% of national income by 2027 remain on track, with expectations that it could rise to 3% by the year 2034. Nonetheless, Starmer clarified that the 3% target is an “ambition” rather than a commitment, raising questions about funding sources amidst current Treasury constraints.
Criticism has already arisen, with Conservative Party defense spokesman James Cartlidge asserting that a defense review lacking a funding commitment is merely an “empty wish list.” Some NATO leaders advocate for a defense spending commitment of at least 3.5% of GDP to effectively deter any Russian aggression in the future.
Starmer’s announcement also serves as a signal to Trump regarding Europe’s response to his calls for heavier defense spending among NATO allies. European nations, spearheaded by the U.K. and France, are actively seeking to synchronize their defense strategies amid concerns over the shifting dynamics of American foreign policy under Trump, who has often questioned NATO’s value and the share of defense burdens among member states.
In conclusion, Starmer asserted that his government aims to make “Britain’s biggest contribution to NATO since its creation,” underscoring a commitment to collective defense. Emphasizing solidarity, he declared, “We will never fight alone,” reinforcing the commitment to a NATO-first defense policy.
Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at defense think tank RUSI, remarked on the review’s proposal, noting it outlines a vision for the future of the armed forces but lacks detailed implementation plans. He stated, “This is a statement of intent. It’s not a road map.”
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