UK Steps Up Nuclear Deterrence in NATO as US Commitment Wavers

As doubts grow over the United States' commitment to NATO, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to make Britain war-ready, signaling a significant enhancement of the country's nuclear role within the alliance.

The move comes amid heightened tensions with Russia and concerns about the reliability of U.S. defense support under President Donald Trump. The UK is exploring new capabilities, including fighter jets capable of deploying nuclear weapons, to bolster its contribution to NATO's nuclear deterrence, according to a government source familiar with the plans.

Strategic Defence Review Outlines Bold Plans

The UK's Strategic Defence Review, published on June 2, 2025, emphasizes Britain's readiness to assume a greater share of NATO's nuclear deterrence burden. This includes a £15 billion ($20 billion) investment to renew the Trident nuclear deterrent, comprising four ballistic missile submarines, and the construction of up to 12 new submarines under the AUKUS partnership with the US and Australia.

The review suggests ways to counter the unprecedented challenge of facing two near-peer nuclear powers, Russia and China, as global security dynamics shift. Starmer, speaking to BBC Radio on June 2, stressed the necessity for Europe to take on a greater defense burden, acknowledging U.S. calls for NATO allies to step up.

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Europe Rethinks Nuclear Strategy

European leaders are recalibrating their defense strategies in response to President Trump's push for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, surpassing the current 2% guideline. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has proposed a 3.5% target for core defense activities.

France, the only other European NATO member with nuclear capabilities, is also exploring extending its nuclear umbrella over the continent, with President Emmanuel Macron initiating talks with allies.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed openness to leveraging France's nuclear arsenal. However, the UK remains unique in assigning its nuclear capabilities directly to NATO's defense framework, reinforcing its pivotal role.

Did You Know?
The UK's Trident nuclear deterrent, operational since the 1990s, consists of four Vanguard-class submarines, each capable of carrying up to 16 ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.

Addressing Russian Aggression and US Uncertainty

The UK's push to enhance its nuclear deterrence is driven by fears of Russian aggression, particularly following recent escalations in Ukraine. Real-time updates indicate ongoing Russian military advances and large-scale drone attacks, prompting European nations to bolster their defenses.

William Alberque, a senior fellow at the Pacific Forum in Berlin, noted that Britain's moves aim to offset risks of U.S. detachment from European security.

The UK’s Trident system, with at least one submarine patrolling undetected at all times, remains a cornerstone of NATO's deterrence strategy. Starmer reiterated his full commitment to maintaining and modernizing this capability during a June 2 address.