LONDON – The United Kingdom is set to enhance its military capabilities, focusing on constructing new nuclear-powered attack submarines and preparing its army for potential conflict in Europe. Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared this augmentation in military expenditure as a strong signal to both Moscow and Washington, underlining the gravity of the current geopolitical landscape.
Starmer emphasized the undeniable threat posed by Russia, committing to comprehensive reforms in British defense – the most extensive since the Soviet Union’s dissolution over 30 years ago. Addressing workers and journalists at a naval shipyard in Scotland, he remarked on the increasing severity, immediacy, and unpredictability of threats compared to any time since the Cold War.
**A New Era of Security Concerns**
In line with other NATO nations, the United Kingdom has reevaluated its defense priorities following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This strategic shift is guided by a defense review commissioned by Starmer and headed by George Robertson, a former defense secretary and NATO secretary general. Concluding the first review since 2021, it comes amid global unrest spurred by Russia’s actions and changes in the U.S. political leadership.
Despite former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s declaration that European land battles with tanks were obsolete, Russian military maneuvers in Ukraine have contradicted this stance. In response, Starmer’s Labour Party government has committed to implementing all 62 recommendations from the review, aiming to tackle evolving threats across land, sea, air, and cyber domains.
**Submarine and Weapon Production**
The newly outlined measures include expanding the production of submarines and weaponry and learning from Ukraine’s innovative use of drone technology against Russia. Additionally, a cyber command will be established to confront regular cyberattacks linked to Russia.
Key initiatives include:
– Constructing up to 12 nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines within the AUKUS alliance involving Australia and the United States.
– Allocating £15 billion (approximately $20.3 billion) to bolster Britain’s nuclear arsenal, centered around missile-armed submarines.
– Enhancing conventional weapons supplies with six new munitions factories and the manufacture of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons.
– Developing advanced airborne and land drones, and a “hybrid Navy” incorporating autonomous vessels alongside crewed ships.
– Investing £1 billion in UK air defenses.
– Establishing a home guard to protect critical national infrastructure, linked to a national defense strategy branded as “Dad’s Army,” inspired by the WWII sitcom.
Starmer noted that these upgrades would generate a “defense dividend,” translating into thousands of high-paying manufacturing jobs, contrasting the post-Cold War era where resources were channeled away from defense.
**Financial Challenges in Deterrence**
Defense Secretary John Healey stated these initiatives would convey a strong message to Moscow and reform the UK’s military framework following years of reductions. However, he noted that soldier numbers, currently at a low of approximately 74,000, would not rise significantly until the early 2030s.
Plans are in place to elevate defense spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with the aim to reach 3% by 2034. Starmer described the 3% target as more of an “ambition” than a guaranteed promise, citing uncertainty about funding sources amidst a financially constrained Treasury, which has already reduced international aid to meet the 2.5% goal.
James Cartlidge, from the opposition Conservative Party, criticized the initiative as “an empty wish list” without assured funding. While discussions among NATO leaders, including expectations to boost spending to at least 3.5% of GDP, progress, the UK’s strategy indicates increased efforts towards European defense independence as urged by the U.S.
**Strengthening Europe’s Defense**
The UK’s defense strategy also addresses former U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence that NATO members enhance their own defense expenditures. European nations, led by Britain and France, are unifying their defense strategies as Trump’s foreign policy seemingly excludes European priorities in favor of a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict.
Starmer committed to what he called Britain’s “biggest contribution to NATO since its creation,” asserting the UK’s stance within the alliance: “We will never fight alone. Our defense policy will always be NATO-first.”
While Matthew Savill from the defense think tank RUSI recognized the review’s broad vision for the UK’s future military structure, he noted the lack of specific action plans. “This is a statement of intent,” Savill said. “It’s not a road map.”