UK To Build 12 New Attack Submarines & Boost Nuclear Warhead Programme

The UK government has announced plans to build up to 12 new conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines under the AUKUS partnership. Currently, it operates seven Astute Class submarines, which will be gradually replaced by the new SSN-AUKUS fleet starting from the late 2030s.

The new plan will increase submarine numbers significantly, transforming the UK’s submarine building industry at sites in Barrow-in-Furness and Raynesway, Derby. These facilities will expand their capacity to build a new submarine every 18 months.

The SDR sets out 62 recommendations, all expected to be accepted by the government. It calls for a shift to wartime readiness to better deter threats, especially from Russia.

The government is also planning to invest £15 billion in the sovereign nuclear warhead programme during this parliament. This funding will support critical defence nuclear science, engineering, and manufacturing, ensuring Britain’s security for decades.

The warhead programme and submarine construction will support 30,000 skilled jobs across the UK, including many apprenticeships and graduate roles.

The government aims to double apprentice and graduate intake in defence and civil nuclear sectors over the next ten years, creating 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate positions.

The Strategic Defence Review also highlights several other key defence investments:

• The UK will purchase up to 7,000 long-range weapons built domestically, creating around 800 defence jobs.
• Stockpiles of munitions and support equipment will increase, with production capacity designed to scale rapidly during crises.
• A new CyberEM Command will be established to advance UK cyber operations, backed by a £1 billion digital capability investment.
• The government will invest more than £1.5 billion to improve and repair housing for British military personnel and their families.

The government’s Plan for Change prioritises national security and aims to deliver well-paid jobs throughout the country. The expansion will also modernise infrastructure at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston, supporting over 9,000 jobs at the site and thousands more in the supply chain nationwide, including in Scotland and Somerset.

The Defence Secretary highlighted the critical role of the UK’s submariners, patrolling continuously to protect the nation and allies. He said it’s important to act firmly against rising threats, especially from Russia.

The new submarines and nuclear warhead programme aim to improve national security and support the defence industry and economy. Currently, UK defence supports more than 400,000 skilled jobs, and the government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, to reach 3% in the following parliament, depending on economic conditions.

Reference: UK Gov

Source: Maritime Shipping News