The United Kingdom is taking big steps to boost its military power. The plan involves building new nuclear-powered attack submarines and getting the army ready for potential conflicts in Europe. This push is part of a major defense overhaul, the most significant since the Soviet Union fell over 30 years ago.

The UK is not alone in this reassessment. Many NATO countries are doing the same, especially after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The UK's new strategy comes from a review led by a former defense secretary. This review is the first of its kind since 2021 and reflects the changes brought by Russia's war in Ukraine and the reelection of President Donald Trump.

The UK's approach includes increasing the production of submarines and weapons. It also involves learning from Ukraine's use of drone technology to counter Russian forces. The government will establish a cyber command to defend against daily Russia-linked attacks.

The UK will build up to 12 nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines as part of the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the U. S. Additionally, the government will invest heavily in Britain's nuclear arsenal. Details about these plans are likely to remain secret.

The UK will also increase its stockpile of conventional weapons. This includes building six new munitions factories and up to 7, 000 long-range weapons. The goal is to create thousands of well-paid manufacturing jobs, contrasting with the post-Cold War "peace dividend" that shifted money away from defense.

Defense spending is set to hit 2. 5% of national income by 2027 and 3% by 2034. However, it's unclear where the money will come from, as the government has already cut international aid spending to reach the 2. 5% target. The 3% goal is seen as an ambition rather than a firm promise.

This move is also a message to NATO and the U. S. It shows that Europe is taking defense spending seriously. The UK plans to make its biggest contribution to NATO since its creation. This is in response to calls from leaders like NATO chief Mark Rutte, who suggest spending at least 3. 5% of GDP on defense.

The opposition party has welcomed the increased defense spending but is skeptical about the government's ability to fund all the promises made in the strategic defense review.

RUSSIA AND NATO RELATIONS

Britain's Bold Move: Ramping Up Military Might

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