### Britain to Build New Submarines and Bolster Nuclear Arsenal Amid Rising Threats: Starmer

In an effort to enhance national defense, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to construct new attack submarines and invest significantly in nuclear warheads, aligning with a shift towards increased "war-fighting readiness." This strategic move was unveiled on Monday, alongside a comprehensive assessment of the UK's military capabilities.

The UK government will collaborate with the United States and Australia through the AUKUS partnership to develop up to 12 new attack submarines. These vessels will replace the current fleet of seven submarines, with completion aimed by the late 2030s. Starmer emphasized that this initiative marks a "historic renewal" of Britain’s nuclear deterrent, backed by a substantial £15 billion ($20.3 bn) investment.

This announcement coincides with the release of a long-awaited review into Britain's armed services. Calls for modernization of the British military have gained momentum, particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago. “When we are being directly threatened by states with advanced military forces, the most effective way to deter them is to be ready,” Starmer stated.

However, Starmer did not specify when his promise to increase overall defense spending to 3% of the UK’s GDP would be fulfilled. The target was given for the end of the next parliamentary term in 2034 but remains contingent on the economic environment. Moreover, the Prime Minister refrained from disclosing the sources for the new defense funding, hinting at possible budget reallocations, such as previous cuts to the UK's aid budget.

The fiscal commitment from the UK falls short when compared to the defense spending promises of some NATO countries. Last month, NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte anticipated members would agree on a defense spending target of 5% at the upcoming June summit, a significant rise from the 2% benchmark set in 2014. According to 2024 NATO data, Poland was the only member with defense expenditure above 4% of GDP.

Starmer noted the importance of being prepared against the Russian threat. He affirmed the UK’s commitment to becoming a "battle-ready, armor-clad nation" with advanced military capabilities and robust alliances for the future. The planned submarines will be part of a "hybrid Royal Navy," indicating a move towards more drone-based naval operations in strategically critical areas like the North Atlantic.

The review, overseen by former NATO chief George Robertson, is expected to highlight the growing challenge of drone warfare and other emerging threats in which Britain currently lags. Amidst shrinking investment over the decades, concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of the UK's conventional and nuclear deterrents, especially given its dependencies on the US supply chain. Recent public acknowledgments include two failed nuclear missile tests within the last eight years, highlighting the urgency for modernization.