The UK government is set to expand its submarine fleet as part of the AUKUS defence partnership, responding to growing security threats. This plan includes building up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines and a £15 billion investment in the country’s nuclear warhead programme. Together, these moves will boost national security, create thousands of skilled jobs, and support the government’s wider Plan for Change.
Expanding the UK’s Submarine Fleet
The Prime Minister will soon announce the UK will increase its fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Currently, the UK operates seven Astute Class submarines. The new plan aims to build up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines by the late 2030s. This expansion will transform the UK’s submarine building industry, especially at shipyards in Barrow and Raynesway, Derby, where a new submarine is expected to be built every 18 months.
This fleet growth will strengthen the UK’s naval defence and keep the country ready to face rising global threats. It will also help maintain the UK’s strong military presence in international waters.
Investment in Nuclear Warheads and Industry
Alongside the submarine build, the government has committed £15 billion to the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme. This investment will modernise important parts of the defence nuclear industry, especially at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston. The programme supports more than 9,000 jobs at AWE and thousands more across the UK supply chain.
This is the first time the UK has revealed the full scale of its investment plans for its nuclear warhead programme. The government is committed to maintaining the Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent, building a new fleet of Dreadnought submarines, and carrying out all future upgrades needed.
Supporting Jobs, Apprenticeships, and Skills
The government’s Plan for Change includes creating 30,000 highly skilled jobs related to defence and nuclear industries. It also plans to double the number of apprentices and graduate roles over the next decade, delivering 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate jobs.
These efforts will help train future engineers, technicians, and specialists who will work on submarines and nuclear projects. This is vital for keeping the UK’s defence industry strong and competitive.
The Strategic Defence Review and Future Security
The announcement is part of the UK’s new Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which recommends shifting the armed forces towards warfighting readiness. The review includes 62 recommendations that the government is expected to fully accept.
Key points include increasing stockpiles of weapons and equipment, developing 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons, and creating a new CyberEM Command with £1 billion investment in cyber capabilities. There will also be more than £1.5 billion dedicated to improving housing for military personnel and their families.
Government and Industry Reactions
Prime Minister and Defence Secretary John Healey emphasise that this defence investment supports national security while creating well-paid jobs across the country. Defence Secretary Healey stated the need to act decisively against threats such as Russian aggression and highlighted the importance of the UK’s submarine patrols and nuclear programmes.
Industry leaders welcome the increased focus on defence spending, which will grow to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and aims for 3% in the next parliament, depending on economic conditions. The submarine and nuclear investments will also boost industrial capabilities in key UK locations.
The UK’s plan to build up to 12 new attack submarines under the AUKUS programme, along with a £15 billion nuclear warhead investment, marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s defence. This will help protect the UK against rising threats, secure its role on the global stage, and create tens of thousands of skilled jobs. The strategy also supports wider national goals, including technological advancement and economic growth, while ensuring the UK’s armed forces remain modern and ready for the challenges ahead.
