Britain will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines and invest in long-range weapons and digital warfare as part of a major rearmament plan, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday, vowing to prepare the country for direct conflict amid rising threats from Russia.

Starmer’s defense vision, outlined ahead of a formal review release, marks a historic departure from post-Cold War military posture. Citing threats “more serious, more immediate and more unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War,” he committed to bringing the UK to full war-fighting readiness.

The submarines—part of the AUKUS alliance with the U.S. and Australia—will strengthen Britain's underwater deterrent and are expected to include conventionally armed, nuclear-powered vessels.

Strategic Defense Review Recommendations

The review, led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, recommends:

• Procurement of 7,000 British-built long-range missiles
• Creation of a new cyber command
• Over £1 billion in digital warfare upgrades
• Enhanced protection of underwater infrastructure
• Funding for military housing to improve recruitment and retention in an army at its lowest numbers since the Napoleonic era

A Response to Transatlantic Drift and Russian Threats

The push for expanded national capabilities follows concern over U.S. disengagement from European defense under Trump and escalating Russian hostility. Starmer’s move away from Boris Johnson’s “Global Britain” doctrine reflects a more regionally anchored, EU-aligned defense strategy.

Defense analyst Mike Martin noted Britain’s consideration of tactical nuclear-capable aircraft as a possible sign it no longer fully relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. “The drop-dead giveaway is the air-dropped nuclear weapons,” he wrote.

From Post-Brexit Vision to New Security Doctrine

The last defense review in 2021 promised tighter U.S.-UK alignment. But under Starmer, that has shifted toward rebuilding ties with Europe and reinforcing self-reliance. The new review integrates lessons from Ukraine, where drones, cyber, and resilience proved more decisive than traditional force size.

With pressure from growing global insecurity, Starmer’s strategy signals Britain’s intent to project serious military power again.