The UK government has announced plans to build six new factories dedicated to the production of munitions and explosives. The initiative, valued at £1.5 billion, is part of the Strategic Defence Review and aims to enhance the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities in light of growing global threats.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the factories will be responsible for the production of up to 7,000 long-range weapons and are expected to support nearly 1,800 new jobs across various regions of the UK. The investment is part of a larger £6 billion package allocated for ammunition procurement during the current parliamentary term.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the war in Ukraine highlighted the importance of maintaining a scalable and resilient industrial base. He stated that the UK is strengthening its ability to deter adversaries and ensure national security by reinforcing its domestic manufacturing infrastructure.
The new production facilities will be tasked with supplying advanced munitions including artillery shells, precision missiles, and other long-range weapon systems. The government indicated that this approach marks a shift from traditional stockpiling to a model of sustained readiness and rapid resupply.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented that a strong economy requires strong defense capabilities, adding that investment in defense production will also deliver economic growth and employment benefits in multiple regions.
