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Britain to ‘send message to Moscow’ with 12 new nuclear-powered submarines

Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey visits a Vanguard class submarine off the coast of Scotland as it returns home from a period of duty at sea
Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey visits a Vanguard class submarine off the coast of Scotland as it returns home from a period of duty at sea (Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street)
  • Britain plans to build up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack Submarines amid rising global threats, according to an upcoming defence review by Sir Keir Starmer.
  • The Ministry of Defence will allocate £15bn to develop new warheads for the UK's nuclear deterrent as part of a broader effort to enhance the country's war readiness.
  • Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the need to confront Russian aggression and ensure Britain's security, highlighting daily cyber attacks from Russia targeting the UK's defence systems. On Sunday, Mr Healey described the review as a “message to Moscow”.
  • The 130-page defence review, expected to be published on Monday, includes 62 recommendations and aims to boost investments in shipbuilding, drone technology, and cyber defence, potentially creating tens of thousands of skilled jobs.
  • The nuclear investments are projected to support 30,000 skilled jobs across the UK and will necessitate significant infrastructure upgrades at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston.

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