The British government will build a network of new munitions factories to increase the country's readiness for war and restore its own production of military explosives for the first time in nearly two decades. The official announcement will be made on Wednesday by Defense Secretary John Healy, who will also present the first potential locations. According to the plan, construction of the first factory should begin next year, reports „Reuters“, quoted by News.bg.
The initiative follows the government's decision in June to allocate an additional 1.5 billion pounds ($1.97 billion) for the production of munitions and key components. At least 13 potential sites have already been identified for the new facilities, which will produce ammunition, propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics for the needs of the British army, as well as to support Ukraine.
The project will create at least 1,000 new jobs. The first technical and engineering studies have been funded, which should lay the foundations for high-performance production lines. Work on the engineering design of the first plant is already underway.
In parallel, two new drone manufacturing plants are opening this week in South West England - part of a wider defence industry development programme, supported by an additional £250 million ($328.9 million). The Ministry of Defence will also publish a new procurement document outlining multi-year investment and the nine key materials that the UK defence industry urgently needs to increase its manufacturing capabilities.
With the launch of the new manufacturing network, the UK aims to reduce its dependence on imports, strengthen its strategic capabilities and provide reliable support for its allies in a context of increasing international uncertainty.