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Breaking News: UK to Expand Naval Forces with 12 New Nuclear Attack Submarines Under AUKUS.
According to information released by the British government on June 1, 2025, the United Kingdom plans to build up to 12 new conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines under the AUKUS programme. This strategic decision forms part of the new Strategic Defence Review (SDR), aimed at reinforcing the UK’s military posture in the face of growing threats, particularly Russian aggression and rising tensions in the North Atlantic underwater domain.
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The Royal Navy currently operates seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, six of which are in service while one is in final construction stages (Picture source: UK MoD)
The Royal Navy currently operates seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, six of which are in service while one is in final construction stages. These 7,400-tonne vessels are equipped with nuclear propulsion, Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, and Tomahawk cruise missiles, enabling them to strike targets at ranges exceeding 1,600 km. In addition, four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) maintain the UK’s continuous at-sea strategic nuclear deterrent, armed with Trident II D5 missiles. Together, these 11 submarines constitute the backbone of the UK's submarine force.
The SSN-AUKUS programme will begin replacing the Astute class in the late 2030s with more capable submarines co-developed with the United States and Australia. These future boats will have near-unlimited endurance due to nuclear propulsion, enhanced acoustic stealth, a new-generation sonar suite, and vertical launch systems (VLS) compatible with long-range cruise missiles. Construction will take place at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, with a projected build rate of one submarine every 18 months.
Expanding to a fleet of 12 attack submarines marks a significant increase in capability, doubling the current number and aligning with the UK's shift toward a “warfighting readiness” posture. This industrial expansion includes close coordination with Rolls-Royce at Raynesway (Derby), responsible for nuclear reactor systems, and a nationwide training effort aiming to deliver 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles by 2035.
Parallel to this effort, the government has confirmed a £15 billion investment in the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme, aimed at sustaining and upgrading the strategic deterrent infrastructure at Aldermaston. This includes the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) facilities and supports over 9,000 direct jobs.
The Strategic Defence Review also includes plans to build at least six new munitions factories, procure 7,000 long-range weapons from UK-based industry, and establish a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command (CyberEM) backed by £1 billion in digital capability investments. An additional £1.5 billion will be allocated to upgrading housing for service personnel.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the government's commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an eventual target of 3%, depending on future fiscal conditions. The SDR, led by NATO and strategic defence experts, includes 62 recommendations which the government will implement in full, establishing a clear ten-year planning horizon.
The expansion of the UK’s attack submarine fleet through the SSN-AUKUS programme, combined with ongoing investment in nuclear deterrence and industrial capacity, represents a comprehensive response to current security challenges. These measures place the United Kingdom in a position to strengthen its role in maritime defence within NATO and across the Euro-Atlantic area.