The investment forms part of the AUKUS partnership with the US and Australia and aims to maintain the UK’s continuous-at-sea nuclear deterrent. The new SSN-Aukus submarines are set to replace the UK’s seven Astute-class attack submarines from the late 2030s.
Defence Secretary John Healey states: “Our outstanding submariners patrol 24/7 to keep us and our allies safe, but we know that threats are increasing and we must act decisively to face down Russian aggression.” He adds: “With new state-of-the-art submarines patrolling international waters and our own nuclear warhead programme on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering on our Plan for Change with 30,000 highly skilled jobs across the country.”
According to the Ministry of Defence, the submarine programme supports 30,000 highly skilled jobs into the 2030s, alongside 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles over the next decade. The £15 billion allocated to the warhead programme also funds the new fleet of Dreadnought submarines and supports future upgrades.
The strategic defence review commits the UK to prepare the armed forces for potential conflict, increase weapons stockpiles, and enhance production capabilities. Other measures include the purchase of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons, the creation of a new cyber command, £1 billion investment in digital capabilities, and over £1.5 billion for armed forces housing.
Starmer says: “From the supply lines to the front lines, this government is foursquare behind the men and women upholding our nation’s freedom and security.” He adds: “National security is the foundation of my Plan for Change, and this plan will ensure Britain is secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering a defence dividend of well-paid jobs up and down the country.”
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
