Britain will overhaul its defence strategy, shifting focus to cyber warfare, drones and nuclear-powered submarines.
The strategy shift stands in response to growing threats from Russia and the evolving nature of modern combat.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the largest sustained increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War. Under the new strategic defence review, released Monday, the government plans to raise spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3 per cent in the following parliamentary term.
Defence Secretary John Healey said adversaries were working more closely together, and technology was reshaping how wars are fought. He pointed to Ukraine, where drones have proven more deadly than traditional artillery, as evidence the UK must modernise rapidly to stay competitive.
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As part of the plan, Britain will build up to 12 next-generation attack submarines – nuclear-powered but armed with conventional weapons – to replace its existing fleet by the late 2030s. The submarines will be developed jointly with the US and Australia under the AUKUS alliance.
Despite previous cuts, the government said the size of the armed forces will not be reduced, although future expansion will depend on available funding, likely after 2029.
The military will be restructured to become more agile and technologically advanced.
The government will also invest in new communications systems, build at least six munitions plants, and procure thousands of long-range British-made weapons. A new cyber and electromagnetic command will lead both defensive and offensive cyber operations, following more than 90,000 attempted attacks on military networks over the past two years.
Starmer said the plan would rebuild military capability, boost jobs, and prepare Britain for future threats. He described the strategy as “NATO first”, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to collective defence.