More nukes and a regional pivot: Britain unveils its long-awaited defense review Photo credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images Photo credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images LONDON — Britain is to substantially increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads in response to a deteriorating security environment, the government said in a long-awaited review of defense, security and foreign policy released March 16. The move would see Britain increase the inventory to no more than 260 warheads, reversing a decision made a decade ago to cut the maximum from 225 to 180 by the mid-2020s. Depending on exactly how many warheads the country intends to acquire, it could see the strategic weapons count increase by more than 40 percent.