The UK will begin constructing new weapons factories “very soon” as part of a sweeping £6 billion rearmament initiative designed to reinforce national security and send a clear message of deterrence to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Defence Secretary John Healey has said.
Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Mr Healey confirmed that the government’s new defence strategy includes the creation of at least six new arms production sites.
While the exact locations and timelines have yet to be disclosed, further details are expected in the Strategic Defence Review, set to be published on Monday.
“We already have strong munitions factories operating across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,” Mr Healey noted.
“This fresh investment will not only enhance our manufacturing capacity but also create skilled jobs across the UK’s defence sector.”
The Defence Secretary stressed that the UK is “stepping up our deterrents” in response to escalating global threats, stating: “The message to Putin is simple – we take our defence seriously.”
As part of the multi-billion-pound package, the government will procure up to 7,000 long-range missiles, rockets, and drones, boosting both the UK’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
This effort forms part of Labour’s broader plan to modernise the armed forces, enhance resilience, and prepare the country for future conflicts, including in the cyber domain.
Mr Healey also expressed confidence that defence spending would rise to 3% of GDP in the next parliament, though he defended the government’s decision not to reach that target within the current term. “It’s not just about how much is spent, but also about how wisely that money is deployed,” he explained.
In addition to physical rearmament, the Defence Secretary highlighted the government’s broader commitment to security, including:
- £1 billion for cyber warfare and digital defence systems
- £1.5 billion to improve military housing over five years
- A full £6 billion allocated to weapons systems and infrastructure
This new investment underscores the government’s intention to act swiftly in the face of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with the ongoing threat posed by Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
