UK launches new munitions factories to strengthen military readiness

Britain will build a network of new munitions factories as part of a wider effort to restore domestic production of military explosives for the first time in almost twenty years, Defence Secretary John Healey is expected to announce on November 19.

The plan marks one of the government’s most significant moves yet to strengthen the UK’s industrial base amid heightened global security pressures and sustained military support for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Healey will confirm that construction of the first facility is due to begin next year, with officials having shortlisted more than a dozen potential sites across the country.

The announcement follows a £1.5 billion commitment made in June for expanded munitions manufacturing and related components.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the new factories will produce munitions, propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics for the British Army, while also contributing to supply lines for Ukraine.

To accelerate the programme, feasibility studies have been funded to lay the groundwork for high‑volume production, and engineering design work for the first facility is already underway. The initiative is expected to create at least 1,000 jobs.

The munitions expansion comes as the UK simultaneously boosts its drone‑manufacturing capacity. Two new drone factories are opening this week in southwest England under defence industry growth deals backed by £250 million in government support.

In a further step to reassure industry, the MoD will publish a new procurement note setting out multi‑year investment plans and identifying nine key materials the government aims to secure for long‑term production.

By Aghakazim Guliyev