The UK plans to build six weapons factories and buy 7,000 long-range systems
The UK government has announced a major investment of £1.5 billion to construct at least six new munitions and energetics factories. This initiative is designed to enhance the country’s defense readiness by ensuring a continuous and scalable production of ammunition and explosives. This is reported by UK Defence Journal.
The plan includes the procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons, such as missiles, rockets, and drones. These efforts are part of the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR), aimed at boosting national resilience amid increasing global threats, notably from Russia.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated: “The hard-fought lessons from Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine show a military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind them.”
Economic and strategic impact
The project is expected to create around 1,800 jobs nationwide, including 1,000 manufacturing roles and 800 supported by the procurement of long-range systems. The investment aligns with the broader government “Plan for Change” to stimulate economic development and regional job growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized: “A strong economy needs a strong national defense.”
Industrial base and challenges
The Strategic Defence Review, to be published on 2 June 2025, will outline the UK’s long-term military posture. It will address challenges such as a significant decline in army numbers — down to 70,860 trained soldiers, the lowest since the Napoleonic wars.
Despite the bold vision, critics have voiced concern over the lack of specific details — including timelines, weapons types, and exact factory locations. There is also still no appointed national director of armaments to oversee the effort.
Conclusion
The UK's commitment to expanding its defense industrial base and acquiring new weapon systems signals a clear response to today’s security landscape. The initiative reflects lessons from the war in Ukraine and represents a strategic move to ensure both domestic and allied defense capabilities.
