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UK Begins Construction of New Nuclear Submarine Fleet as Defence Spending Rises

Prime Minister Keir Starmer lays the keel for the first Dreadnought-class submarine, reinforcing the UK's nuclear deterrent and economic growth plans.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions in parliament in London, Britain, March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions in parliament in London, Britain, March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso
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Overview

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid the keel for the first Dreadnought-class submarine in Barrow-in-Furness, marking the start of the fleet's construction.
  • The Dreadnought programme will replace the ageing Vanguard-class submarines, addressing challenges to the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrence strategy.
  • The UK government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with the submarine programme expected to support 30,000 jobs nationwide.
  • Barrow-in-Furness was renamed the 'Royal Port of Barrow' in recognition of its critical role in national defence and submarine production.
  • The UK is also leading discussions on forming a multinational peacekeeping coalition to support Ukraine's security after a potential peace deal with Russia.