The UK will expand the size of its attack submarines to send a signal to Moscow

To counter the threat posed by Russia, the UK plans to expand its fleet of attack submarines and invest in nuclear deterrence forces as part of its new defense strategy, sending a signal to Moscow.

Bloomberg reported that the British government will announce on Monday (June 2nd) that it will invest 15 billion pounds (about 26.09 billion pounds) in the nuclear warhead project and build up to 12 new submarines.

The UK Ministry of Defence said on Sunday (the 1st) that this is part of the trilateral Security Partnership (AUKUS) program between the UK, the United States and Australia, aiming to enhance the UK's "combat readiness".

The UK Ministry of Defence said that the additional submarines would replace the UK's Astute Class submarines, but the plan would not be completed until the end of the 2030s.

British Defence Secretary John Healy said in an interview with the BBC that the strategic Defence assessment to be released on Monday will clarify the threats facing the UK and outline recommendations for responding to them, and will "send a message to Moscow" by strengthening the UK's military and defence industries.

Healy said in a statement, "We know the threat is increasing and we must act resolutely to curb Russia's aggression." With new and advanced submarines patrolling in international waters and our nuclear warhead program off the coast of the UK, we are ensuring domestic security in the UK and maintaining strength abroad.

The UK will also build six new arms factories, create an "non-stop" defense industry production system, purchase up to 7,000 long-range missiles, and invest in reserves of cyber security and support equipment.

Healy told Sky News that the new arms factory would be built "soon".

He said in an interview with the BBC: "This is the backing of the UK. It will not only strengthen our armed forces, but also our industrial base. When necessary, this will be part of our combat readiness."

However, he also mentioned that the goal of spending 3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) on national defense after the next election remains an "ambitious goal". He expects that the goal of increasing the number of British Army troops will not make progress before the next parliamentary election. Opposition parties, including the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats, said that the government needs to achieve the defense spending target by 2034.