Britain will increase the number of nuclear warheads for Trident II missiles on submarines by 40%. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the content of the Comprehensive Review of the country’s security, defense and foreign policy, which is to be published today, March 16.
The document sets out the new United Kingdom doctrine on foreign policy and national security and economic development paths through 2030. In particular, the number of nuclear warheads used in Trident II missiles will be increased from the current 180 to 260. According to the newspaper, this suggests that the UK is turning from the course of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, which it adhered to for many years. London’s new move is aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s status as a nuclear power and a reliable ally of the United States in the field of defense. At the same time, the publication does not specify whether we are talking about an increase in warheads deployed on submarines, or an increase in their total number in the nuclear arsenal.
In a preliminary version of the review, it is reported that in November last year, the British authorities decided to spend an additional £16.5 billion (almost $23 billion) on strengthening defense capabilities over the next four years. This is the largest investment in defense in the last 30 years. In recent months, in addition to the National Cyber Forces, the UK has created an AI agency and a new space command to launch the first British satellite rocket from Scotland in 2022.
At the heart of the plan for the modernization of the British Armed Forces within the framework of the concept presented in the review, special attention is paid to deep integration of the ground forces, navy, air force, space and cyber forces and increasing interoperability with allied forces.
EADaily has already reported that, according to The Sunday Times, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson should publish a comprehensive review of the country’s foreign policy, defense and security priorities, according to which Russia will be named “the biggest threat” due to “repeated violations of water and air borders of the United Kingdom”.
It is noted that the document includes plans to increase spending on the development of the UK’s offensive potential in cyberspace to counter Moscow and Beijing. According to British experts, “this comprehensive review is intended to convince former UK partners in the European Union that the United Kingdom plans to remain a pillar of European security as a leading NATO member”. The document also says that Britain needs to look for partners in key strategic regions, including the Indo-Pacific region.
The document also says that Britain is applying for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (trade agreement between 12 Asia-Pacific countries – ed.) and that it has already become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In Africa, Britain will develop closer diplomatic and security ties with Nigeria.