The United Kingdom is planning to build at least six new factories for the production of weapons and explosives, as part of a new defense strategy aimed at strengthening its military capabilities. The Ministry of Defence announced that the government will invest £1.5 billion (approximately €1.8 billion) in this initiative. Additionally, the British Army will purchase up to 7,000 long-range weapons produced in the UK.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shown clearly that an army is only as strong as the industry behind it,” said Defence Secretary John Healey, emphasizing that reinforcing the armed forces is intended to deter enemies and make the country more secure and powerful.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told The Sun that “we live in a world of rising threats,” and the new defense strategy will ensure the UK has a consistent and ready supply of ammunition. He said the strategy aims to make the UK “ready for war,” and will be the central mission of the armed forces. “This is a plan for strength and security in the decades ahead,” Starmer added.
Defense spending will also increase. Starmer had already announced the rise in military expenditure ahead of his visit to U.S. President Donald Trump in February. By 2027, defense spending is expected to reach 2.5% of the UK’s GDP, up from the current 2.3%. In the 2023/24 fiscal year alone, £53.9 billion (around €63.9 billion) was invested in defense. A further increase to 3% is planned by 2029, and Minister Healey said he expects the UK to meet that level by 2034 at the latest. “There is no doubt this will happen in the next legislative period,” Healey told the BBC.
