As part of the military reform aimed at strengthening defensive capabilities, the United Kingdom will begin the construction of 13 modern factories for the production of weapons and explosives. This was reported by the Financial Times, where the country's Defense Minister John Healey shared the government's plans.
This week, two new factories for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles will be opened. Healey has prepared a statement for Parliament, in which he will outline the priorities for military spending against the backdrop of growing concerns among lawmakers about the state of the country's defense capabilities. In his speech, the minister will also refute criticism directed at the Ministry of Defense regarding the slow pace of military reform and present a detailed plan for the construction of 13 defense "factories of the future."
For the first time in nearly two decades, the Ministry of Defense has allocated funding for several feasibility studies for the creation of factories that will produce large volumes of explosives and fuel. Healey noted that increasing financial inflows into the military sector will yield "defense dividends" that contribute to economic growth.
This ministerial statement comes against the backdrop of a report from the House of Commons Defense Committee, which indicates the insufficient readiness of the UK's defense industry for "sustainable collective defense," citing a lack of capacity, skills, innovation, as well as issues in procurement and financing.
Strategy Review
As noted by the FT, there is growing concern within British defense circles regarding the readiness of the Labour government to adhere to the ambitious priorities outlined in the strategic review. The 144-page document, published on June 2, highlights the main threats to the country and offers recommendations for enhancing the combat readiness of the armed forces, as well as analyzing the current state of the Royal Armed Forces. Among the authors of the review are George Robertson, former NATO Secretary General (1999-2003), Richard Barrons, former head of the UK Strategic Command (2013-2016), Fiona Hill, former senior director for Russia at the U.S. National Security Council, and a team of experts.
Following the publication of this review, Healey announced plans to modernize the Royal Armed Forces, including plans to build 12 nuclear submarines, update nuclear deterrent forces, develop advanced air and missile defense systems, and mass-produce drones. According to FT estimates, the implementation of these plans could cost the budget approximately £70 billion ($95 billion).
