What's happened
The UK has signed £4 billion contracts with British firms for the development of the Aukus submarine programme, which will produce the most powerful attack submarines for the Royal Navy.
Why it matters
The development of the Aukus submarine programme is significant as it strengthens the UK's defence capabilities and supports the country's strategic advantage. The contracts will also provide a boost to the British economy and create thousands of jobs.
What the papers say
The Independent says the submarines will be the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy and will support thousands of jobs. The Times highlights that the funding will cover development work until 2028 and enable the recruitment of more than 5,000 people. BBC News emphasizes that the Aukus submarine programme aims to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. The Mirror focuses on the deployment of RAF Typhoons to Poland to protect NATO's eastern flank from Russia.
How we got here
In March, the UK, Australia, and the United States announced the Aukus pact, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines. The pact has faced criticism from China. The development of the Aukus submarine programme is part of the UK's efforts to maintain its strategic advantage and secure its position in a contested global order.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Grant Shapps is a British politician who has served as Secretary of State for Transport since 2019. Shapps also has Cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse.
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AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, announced on 15 September 2021 for the Indo-Pacific region. Under the pact, the US and the UK will help Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.