Great Britain plans defense offensive: Starmer promises jobs!

Great Britain plans defense offensive: Starmer promises jobs!

On June 3, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Britain's defense strategy for the next ten years. The strategy aims to strengthen defense preparedness and promote economic growth and the labor market through massive arms investments. This presentation took place at the BAE shipyard in Glasgow, where the outstanding defense modernization plans were presented.

The planned measures include the construction of ammunition factories, submarines and warships as well as an increase in the number of personnel in the armed forces, especially the army. In addition, a new civil defense force is to be created, while the nuclear deterrent is to be modernized. Starmer intends to focus more on the UK's defense preparedness within NATO and move away from the global approach of his predecessors, particularly Boris Johnson.

Investments in the defense industry

The modernization of the armed forces is widely supported in Britain. The Royal Navy currently has 14 large warships, 6 destroyers and 8 frigates in service. However, there is a lack of amphibious landing ships. To sustainably improve defense capabilities by 2030, the government plans to increase the number of destroyers and frigates to 25 and build 12 Astute-class submarines.

Investments in new ammunition amount to around 7 billion euros, with a quarter of this amount being invested in structurally weak areas. Furthermore, almost 18 billion euros are earmarked for the modernization of nuclear weapons, with strategic nuclear missiles stationed on four Vanguard-class submarines. However, Prime Minister Starmer has rejected the request to expand nuclear weapons to smaller warheads.

Economic challenges

Although Great Britain has extensive armament plans, the country faces financial and structural challenges. The British Army urgently needs modernization and defense spending is set to rise to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, with the aim of reaching NATO's 3% target by 2030. The additional costs for defense spending are estimated at at least 16 billion euros per year.

A framework agreement with smaller companies, such as the mechanical engineering company GW Martin in Eastleigh, which produces components for the defense industry, is part of the strategy. The company's chief executive, Stuart Yalden, spoke to Starmer about the role of small businesses in the defense industry in driving economic growth. At the same time, however, there is criticism that international development aid is being severely cut, which is leading to political tensions and resignations.

In summary, the UK defense strategy shows a clear direction that focuses on both national security through modernization and rearmament and economic growth. However, experts warn that Britain needs to become more independent of the US in terms of military equipment and strategic decisions in order to ensure a sustainable defense capability. Approval of the government could be lastingly influenced by switching the use of funds in the social system to defense spending.

For more information visit fr.de and tagesschau.de.