In a major defence push, the UK government has confirmed a £1.5 billion investment to build at least six new munitions factories that will produce 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells domestically, alongside explosive materials. The announcement, reported by the UK Defense Journal, reflects growing geopolitical uncertainty and aims to replenish diminishing ammunition stockpiles.
This initiative aligns with the recent Strategic Defence Review, which calls for defence spending to rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, and potentially 3% under the next government. Total defence expenditure in the current parliamentary period is projected to reach £6 billion, underscoring the UK’s expanding military commitment.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of domestic production in an increasingly unstable world, stating the move would guarantee that “the armed forces remain ready and national security is strengthened.”
🔹 Production Details and Technology Innovations
- Full-cycle manufacturing: The new plants will handle the entire production of shells—casting, propellant loading, assembly, and testing—ensuring sustained and independent capability.
- Innovations at BAE Systems: The company is scaling up with continuous-flow explosives production, replacing limited global supplies of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin with newly developed alternatives. These methods are critical for maintaining Europe’s strategic autonomy.
The facilities are due to begin operations by end of 2026, marking a significant step toward stable ammunition supplies for UK forces and NATO allies.
🇪🇺 A Boost for European Defence Collaboration
This investment should be seen not only as a national priority but also a contribution to European defence resilience. By reinforcing the continent’s munitions industry, the UK is supporting collective security: in the same spirit as the EU’s co-investment in joint projects like Actus and drone development and enhanced nuclear deterrence cooperation.
Countries across Europe have faced critical shortages, and shared industrial capacity makes all EU defence infrastructures less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or strategic shortages. The UK’s factories may also supply export markets, fostering interoperability among EU and NATO partners.
As geopolitical pressures mount—from Russia’s actions and global instability—Europe is moving beyond reliance on U.S. arms to build its own defence ecosystem. While the Strategic Defence Review reignites UK defence ambitions, it fits neatly into European efforts to boost readiness and reduce dependency.