The UK government has announced plans to construct up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines, as part of a comprehensive defense review aimed at enhancing national security. The new vessels are set to replace the current fleet starting in the late 2030s and are expected to bolster both the UK’s and NATO’s defense capabilities.
The Strategic Defence Review, commissioned by the Labour Party and led by former Defence Secretary Lord Robertson, outlines 62 recommendations that the government is expected to adopt fully. In addition to the submarine initiative, the review includes a £15 billion investment in the UK’s nuclear warhead program, a commitment to build six new munitions factories, and plans to develop up to 7,000 long-range weapons, including missiles and drones.
To further strengthen defense infrastructure, the government pledges an extra £1.5 billion by 2029 for military housing repairs and £1 billion for advanced technology to expedite targeting information delivery. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of reversing the decline in Army numbers, aiming to restore full-time personnel to 73,000 in the next Parliament.
The construction of these submarines is projected to support 30,000 jobs into the 2030s, alongside 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles over the next decade, highlighting the government’s commitment to both national security and economic growth.
