In a major move to strengthen the nation's military capabilities, the UK government has identified 13 sites for new munitions factories across the country. Defence Secretary John Healey is set to make the official announcement, committing to building the factories of the future in Britain.
Rebuilding Defence Production
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed it is kickstarting the largest expansion of UK munitions production in nearly two decades. The initiative will see the construction of new energetics factories, with industry expected to break ground on the first site within the next year.
The government has already funded several feasibility studies and commissioned engineering design work for the first factory. The primary goal is to start production for the UK armed forces and enable continued support for Ukraine.
Key Locations and Output
Potential sites for these vital new facilities have been shortlisted across Great Britain. They include Grangemouth in Scotland, Teesside in Northeast England, and Milton Haven in Wales.
These factories will be dedicated to producing energetics – the essential components for weapons. This includes propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics, which are critical for bolstering the UK's weapons arsenal.
Addressing Critical Warnings
The investment comes as the Commons defence committee publishes a damning report, warning that Britain does not have a plan to defend itself from attacks.
The report states that the UK's defence industrial base is not ready for sustained collective defence, citing challenges in capacity, skills, and financing. It further criticises the lack of progress on a home defence programme and notes that a promised 'national conversation on defence' has yet to begin.
In response to these concerns, Healey will state that the upcoming budget decisions will ensure there is no return to the hollowed out and underfunded armed forces of the past.
The announcement is a key part of the government's pre-budget news roll-out, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves set to unveil her full budget in one week.
