The government has announced plans to build up to 12 new nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines as part of a sweeping defence review, aimed at boosting military readiness in response to global threats. These next-generation vessels will replace the Royal Navy’s current Astute-class submarines from the late 2030s.
The review, led by former Defence Secretary Lord Robertson, outlines 62 key recommendations, all of which ministers intend to adopt. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking from BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyard, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO and increased defence spending, targeting a rise from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% by 2034.
Key announcements include £1.5bn for six new munitions factories, the construction of up to 7,000 long-range missiles and drones, and the creation of a new cyber and electromagnetic command. Funding has also been allocated to repair military housing and accelerate battlefield data technology.
The submarines, part of the SSN-AUKUS initiative developed with Australia, will be constructed at BAE’s Barrow-in-Furness site and Rolls-Royce’s Derby facility. Alongside this, £15bn has been pledged to modernise the UK’s nuclear warheads, ensuring the continued operation of the Trident deterrent and delivery of the upcoming Dreadnought-class fleet.
