$3.1T GDP. Financial services drive 12%+ of GDP. Post-Brexit trade disruption ongoing. Inflation hit 11% in 2022 — now declining. North Sea oil and gas. London remains global financial hub despite post-Brexit challenges.
Ranked #8. £50B+ defence budget. Trident nuclear submarine fleet — 225 warheads. Two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. F-35B jets. SAS/SBS special forces globally deployed. Intelligence: GCHQ, MI6, MI5.
"Global Britain" post-Brexit. Deepest US intelligence sharing (Five Eyes). AUKUS with US/Australia. NATO eastern flank commitment. £12B+ Ukraine military aid. Rejoining Pacific trade discussions.