### UK Announces Major Defense Spending to Counter Potential Russian Threat

The United Kingdom has unveiled a bold plan to bolster its defense capabilities with a commitment to invest at least £3 billion in long-range weapons, housing facilities, and arms factories. This move is part of a comprehensive defense review aimed at revitalizing the nation's defense industry and preparing for a possible conflict with Russia.

As part of the strategy, the UK will establish six new munitions factories, restart shipbuilding endeavors for its navy, and invest in new anti-missile defense shields. Additionally, the government is reportedly exploring the acquisition of American fighter jets capable of launching tactical nuclear weapons.

“This is Britain standing behind making our Armed Forces stronger but making our industrial base stronger, and this is part of our readiness to fight if required,” British Defense Secretary John Healey stated, emphasizing that the new strategy sends a clear message to Moscow as it continues its aggressive actions in Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also highlighted the urgent need for readiness in a column for the Sun, noting that the UK must be prepared to counter direct threats from states with advanced military capabilities. Top European generals have warned that Russia could launch a large-scale conflict on the continent by the end of the decade, underscoring the importance of revitalizing defense sectors across Europe.

In line with these concerns, the European Union has announced a plan to unlock up to €800 billion in new military spending. Meanwhile, NATO allies are debating raising their defense spending commitments to 5 percent of GDP at their upcoming summit, responding in part to criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump about insufficient financial contributions from member countries.

On Saturday, Healey pledged that the UK would allocate 3 percent of its economic output to defense by 2034, equating to potentially over £10 billion in new annual spending. The Labour government has also committed £1.5 billion for urgent military accommodation upgrades and will support the procurement of 7,000 British-made long-range weapons. Another £1.5 billion will be invested in munitions and energetics factories, projected to create 1,800 jobs nationwide.

The defense strategy, detailed in a 130-page report led by former NATO chief George Robertson, also recommends setting up an underwater surveillance program to protect subsea critical infrastructure and reestablishing a volunteer home guard to safeguard crucial infrastructure like airports from drone and other unexpected attacks.

In addition to addressing the immediate threat posed by Russia, the review is expected to identify China as a "sophisticated and persistent challenge," highlighting the broad scope of security concerns facing the UK and its allies.