🇬🇧 United Kingdom's Nuclear Strategy
Here is a timeline of key announcements and developments in the United Kingdom's National Nuclear Strategy over the past 50 years, with the most recent events first:
1. 2021 Integrated Review (March 2021)
The UK's "Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy" announced a shift in nuclear policy, marking an end to reductions in the nuclear stockpile. The review increased the cap on the UK’s total nuclear warhead stockpile from 225 to 260, reversing decades of disarmament policy. This change was positioned as a response to the evolving security environment, citing increasing threats from Russia and other global powers.
- Read more on the 2021 Integrated Review【64†source】【60†source】.
2. 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR)
The 2015 SDSR committed to maintaining the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD) with four Vanguard-class submarines armed with Trident II D5 missiles. It also confirmed plans for the Dreadnought-class submarines to replace the Vanguard-class by the 2030s, with an estimated cost of £31 billion.
- Further details on the 2015 review【60†source】.
3. 2006: Decision to Replace Trident Submarines
In 2006, the UK government announced the decision to replace its fleet of four Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the Trident nuclear missile system. This decision marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to maintaining a nuclear deterrent, with new submarines scheduled to be operational by the early 2030s.
4. 1998 Strategic Defence Review
The 1998 Strategic Defence Review was the first major reassessment of the UK's nuclear policy after the end of the Cold War. It emphasized reducing the nuclear arsenal, decreasing the operationally available warheads to 160, and ending the UK’s airborne nuclear deterrent. The UK also committed to a policy of minimum credible deterrence.
- More on the 1998 review【61†source】.
5. 1979: Trident Missile System Decision
In 1979, the UK government decided to acquire the Trident missile system from the United States, replacing the older Polaris system. This decision marked a significant investment in maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, aligning closely with U.S. nuclear policy.
- Further reading on the 1979 Trident decision【63†source】.
6. 1968: Ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
In 1968, the UK signed the NPT, committing to nuclear disarmament, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This international treaty has remained central to UK nuclear policy, with successive governments reiterating the importance of global disarmament while maintaining a minimum credible deterrent.
- More on the NPT【64†source】.
This timeline illustrates the UK's nuclear policy shifts over the past five decades, from post-Cold War disarmament to recent expansions of its nuclear stockpile in response to global threats.
