In a world that’s observing a surge in global discord, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared his intention to strengthen military forces as a deterrence against the intensifying aggression seen from Russia. Starmer made a firm commitment on Monday to ensure that his nation is fully ready for any potential hostilities as he disclosed his plans to develop up to 12 new top-tier attack submarines. This initiative, part of a fresh and ambitious military strategy, also includes allocating billions towards revamping their nuclear arsenal and other forms of weaponry in a bid to equip their armed forces for an ever-evolving threat landscape. ‘My conviction is that the surest way to avoid confrontation is to be ready for it,’ Starmer proclaimed in a media briefing held on Monday morning.
This statement came as a precursor to the launch of the government’s strategic defence blueprint, which is intended to accelerate the manufacturing of drones and augment their stock of armaments and equipment. ‘The danger we confront today is more severe, urgent and erratic than what we’ve endured since the era of the Cold War,’ Starmer asserted during his address at an industrial venue in Glasgow. He drew attention towards the reality of active warfare in Europe, rising nuclear risks, the constant threat of cyberattacks, and escalating hostilities from Russia in British aquatic and aerial territories.
The grand rearmament strategy that Britain is envisaging is compounded by the looming threat of Russia’s increasing military belligerence towards Ukraine, the perceptible withdrawal of America from European affairs, and the overall tightening in global tensions. The timing of Starmer revealing his plans was significant, coming in the wake of one of the most potent aerial offensives of the three-year war, characterized by Ukrainian drone-led strikes targeting air bases situated deep inside Russian borders.
The strategic review was spearheaded by George Robertson, erstwhile secretary general of NATO. Initiated last year, shortly after Starmer’s victory in the general elections, the necessity of the review took on new significance in the face of persistent signs of Russia’s capricious and at times, strangely deferential behaviour towards President Vladimir Putin.
This much-anticipated review is expected to be unveiled on Monday afternoon. Some of its recommendations, however, were shared beforehand by the government. These include the purchase of up to 7,000 long-range, British-manufactured weapons as well as the establishment of a robust cyber command unit. The strategy also involves an influx of a billion pounds (equivalent to $1.35 billion) into enhancing digital competencies.