UK to Build Six New Weapons Factories

The UK government has announced a £1.5 billion investment to build at least six new munitions and weapons factories, which will produce drones and missiles, as part of its Strategic Defence Review responding to threats from Russia. The initiative aims to create around 1,800 skilled jobs and ensure an 'always-on' weapons production pipeline, supporting the procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons. The review incorporates lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need to strengthen the UK’s industrial base and military readiness. Total munitions spending is projected to reach £6 billion during the current parliamentary term. Other measures include £1.5 billion for urgent military housing repairs and a 30% increase in armed forces cadet recruitment. The government has also committed to raising defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2034.