The UK Ministry of Defence has revealed 13 possible locations for a new production network of munitions and energetic materials, aimed at supplying the British Armed Forces and bolstering support for Ukraine as its conflict with Russia approaches four years.
Shortlisted locations in England include Cumbria, Shropshire, Derbyshire, Essex, Worcestershire, Hampshire, and Teesside.
In Wales, Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, and Milford Haven have been identified, while Grangemouth, Ayrshire, and Stirlingshire were selected in Scotland.
The sites, largely former refineries or chemical plants, have already been evaluated for industrial safety and are well connected to road, rail, and port networks, making them suitable for large-scale manufacturing.
London said it has already funded early engineering and feasibility studies for the project, while a forthcoming procurement notice will set out long-term spending plans and determine nine key energetic materials the defense ministry aims to produce domestically.
Construction on the first factory is expected to begin next year.
‘Fundamental Shift’
Britain’s latest initiative builds on a 1.5 billion-pound ($1.9 billion) investment announced in June to expand the country’s munitions output.
Approximately 1,000 jobs are expected to be created as the government works to restore domestic production of key military articles for the first time in nearly two decades, after the industry largely shut down when it shifted to sourcing explosives from overseas.
“This is a fundamental shift from the failed approach of the past,” UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
“We are making defence an engine for growth, unambiguously backing British jobs and British skills as we make the UK better ready to fight and better able to deter future conflicts. This is the path that delivers national and economic security.”
Drone Production Also Expanding
Alongside the new munitions factories, two drone production centers are set to open this week in southwest England as part of another 250 million pounds ($326.4 million) in defense industry investment.
Healey will lead the inauguration of one facility in Plymouth, while British Armed Forces Minister Alistair Carns will attend another in Wiltshire.
The government said that the separate drone factory project reflects lessons from the war in Ukraine, highlighting the need for faster resupply and ongoing innovation between manufacturers and frontline troops.
