The British government will build at least six new weapons factories worth 1.5 billion pounds. This was announced by Defense Secretary John Healy, quoted by the BBC. The new facilities will produce ammunition and explosives and create about 1,800 new jobs across the country, News.bg reports.
The plans include the purchase of more than 7,000 long-range weapons, including drones and missiles, made in the UK. The investment is part of a major programme to rebuild and expand defence capabilities after the war in Ukraine exposed significant gaps in the West's arms stockpiles.
“We are creating an industrial capacity that can be scaled up quickly if needed“, said Healy, underlining the need for Britain to be better prepared for future conflicts. Total spending on munitions is expected to reach £6bn by the end of this parliament.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves added that “a strong national defence is the foundation of a strong economy”. She stressed the importance of the investment for both national security and the creation of highly skilled jobs.
Healy noted that the defence industry would become a driver of economic growth, supporting jobs in every nation and region of the UK. "The army is only as strong as the industry behind it," he said, stressing that the new plants would strengthen national security both at home and on the international stage.