What's happened
The UK government has announced plans to nearly double its nuclear-powered submarine fleet, adding 12 new vessels under the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the US. This initiative is part of a broader Strategic Defence Review aimed at enhancing military capabilities amid rising global threats, including increased defense spending.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Implications
- The expansion of the submarine fleet is a direct response to perceived threats, particularly from Russia, as highlighted by Defence Secretary John Healey.
- The new SSN-AUKUS submarines will replace the aging Astute-class vessels, enhancing the UK's naval capabilities.
Economic Impact
- The initiative is expected to create 30,000 skilled jobs across the UK, supporting local economies and industries.
- The investment in nuclear warheads and submarines signifies a long-term commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture.
Challenges Ahead
- Experts like Matthew Savill from the Royal United Services Institute express skepticism about meeting the ambitious target of building 12 submarines on schedule, citing the need for a cultural shift within the Ministry of Defence and its relationship with industry.
- The UK’s submarine fleet will still be significantly smaller than those of the US and China, raising questions about its strategic deterrence capabilities.
What the papers say
According to Tom Porter from Business Insider UK, the UK Ministry of Defence emphasized the need for enhanced military strength amid rising global threats, stating, "Our outstanding submariners patrol 24/7 to keep us and our allies safe."
The Independent reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the Strategic Defence Review as a "radical blueprint" for military investment, with an additional £15 billion allocated for nuclear warheads. This aligns with the government's goal to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
The Mirror highlighted the ambitious plans to build 12 new attack submarines, noting that the current fleet consists of five Astute-class submarines. The report also pointed out the significant economic implications, with the potential for 30,000 new jobs in the defense sector. However, it raised concerns about the feasibility of these plans, echoing Savill's skepticism about the timeline for construction.
How we got here
The UK has been reassessing its defense strategy in response to growing global security threats, particularly from Russia. The recent Strategic Defence Review outlines significant investments in military infrastructure and capabilities, including a commitment to increase the submarine fleet.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the new submarines?
- How will this affect the UK's defense spending?
- What challenges does the UK face in building these submarines?
Common question
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What are the latest developments in UK defence spending?
As geopolitical tensions rise, UK defence spending is under intense scrutiny. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent proposals have sparked debates about funding sources and military commitments. This page explores the current landscape of UK defence spending, the implications of proposed increases, and the alignment with NATO expectations.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, announced on 15 September 2021 for the Indo-Pacific region. Under the pact, the US and the UK will help Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
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The Ministry of Defence is the British government department responsible for implementing the defence policy set by Her Majesty's Government and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces.