Photo: BAE Systems / SWNS
The United Kingdom is preparing for the largest increase in its naval presence in decades. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is unveiling a strategic defence programme today that includes a £15bn (about $20bn) investment in nuclear warheads, attack submarines and munitions, Bloomberg reports.
According to the British Ministry of Defence, London plans to build up to 12 modern submarines as part of the trilateral AUKUS (United Kingdom – United States – Australia) initiative, which will eventually replace the Astute class fleet. The first of them are expected to enter service no earlier than the late 2030s.
“We know the threats are growing and we must act decisively. This is a clear signal to Moscow that the UK will not hesitate in the face of Russian aggression,” Defence Secretary John Healey told the BBC.
The government also announced the creation of six new ammunition factories, the purchase of 7,000 long-range missiles, the expansion of cyber defence, and the increase in strategic weapons reserves.
Minister Geeley told Sky News that new military infrastructure will be built “very soon” and that the Armed Forces modernisation programme will be an integral part of deterring potential threats in Europe and beyond.
