On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed the United Kingdom to achieving a state of “war-fighting readiness,” announcing plans to construct up to 12 new attack submarines and invest billions of pounds in nuclear and other advanced weapons as part of a comprehensive military modernization strategy.
Ahead of the government’s strategic defense review, Starmer emphasized in a morning interview that preparing thoroughly for conflict is the most effective way to prevent it. The forthcoming review will also detail accelerated production of drones and expanded stockpiles of munitions and military equipment.
This ambitious defense expansion comes amid intensifying global tensions, including increased Russian military aggression in Ukraine and uncertainty surrounding American engagement in European security. Starmer unveiled these plans just hours after Ukrainian drone strikes targeted air bases deep within Russian territory, marking one of the war’s most intense aerial attacks to date.
The strategic review, chaired by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson and initiated last year following Starmer’s electoral victory, has gained heightened urgency amid signs of wavering U.S. commitment to European defense and unpredictable diplomatic relations with Russia.
Set for public release Monday afternoon, some details have already been disclosed: the acquisition of up to 7,000 domestically produced long-range missiles, the establishment of a new cyber command unit, and an investment of approximately one billion pounds (around $1.35 billion) to bolster digital defense capabilities.
Funds will also be allocated to safeguard critical underwater infrastructure in the UK and to enhance drone technology, which has demonstrated significant effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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