Starmer calls new Trident submarines as “incredibly effective” nuclear deterrent against Putin

Mar 20, 2025 - 23:00

Keir Starmer

On 20 March, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the country’s Trident-armed submarines as “incredibly effective,” calling them a crucial deterrent against Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to The Telegraph.

Since 2024, Europe’s nuclear deterrence strategy has faced increasing scrutiny amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Russia’s nuclear threats and growing uncertainty about US security commitments under Donald Trump’s administration have raised concerns about Europe’s reliance on NATO’s nuclear umbrella. Discussions have intensified about enhancing Europe’s independent deterrence capabilities, with France offering to expand its nuclear role within Europe.

Starmer stressed that the Russians appreciate British capabilities, adding that Putin respects nuclear deterrence.

“And that’s why the UK is within Europe as one of the leading nations on defense and security because we’ve got our independent deterrent and we’re committed to NATO,” he said.

Starmer is set to travel to Barrow on 20 March to “lay the keel” for the Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought-class submarines, which will replace the aging Vanguard fleet.

Speaking to reporters, Starmer said that Trident “has been an incredibly effective deterrent for decades, and we must not take that for granted.”

“Which is why it’s good that we’re going to the Dreadnought class,” he stated.

The Dreadnought-class submarines will be the largest ever built for the Royal Navy, stretching 153.6 meters in length, and will be equipped with Trident nuclear missiles.

They will replace the Vanguard-class submarines, whose service lives have already been extended three times. The Dreadnought-class vessels are expected to serve for approximately four decades before their eventual replacement.

Earlier, Starmer said that on 20 March, military officials would meet in the UK to present a “stronger and robust” plan to strengthen the peace agreement and guarantee Ukraine’s future security.

Starmer: Military officials to develop plan for Ukraine peace agreement

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.

We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.

A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.

Become a Patron!