Britain launches ammunition plants amid Russia’s war against Ukraine: what is known
19 November 2025 17:14
The United Kingdom has announced a large-scale defense program to increase the production of ammunition and explosives, a move the government calls necessary to increase its own defense capabilities and long-term support for Ukraine. This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
What London has decided
Defense Secretary John Healey said the government will invest £1.5 billion in new production facilities. This includes at least 13 sites across the country, the first of which are scheduled to begin construction next year. The program is expected to create about 1,000 new jobs.
The first plant has already received project financing, and production will be focused on the needs of the British Armed Forces and supplies for Ukraine.
As part of the program, the UK plans to establish production of
- explosives
- rocket fuel,
- ignition systems for advanced combat missions.
British defense companies have already been invited to apply for participation in production projects.
The decision comes amid growing international demand for ammunition
The decision comes amid growing international demand for ammunition after almost four years of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. European capitals recognize that the rate of Ukrainian consumption of ammunition far exceeds the capacity of the existing industry, and NATO countries are forced to urgently increase production.
The UK has launched similar programs before – this week, two new drone manufacturing plants worth £250 million are expected to open in the southwest of England.
Britain’s defense investments have a double effect:
- they increase the country’s own military capabilities, given NATO’s statements about the likelihood of a long-term confrontation with Russia;
- help Ukraine, which remains at the forefront of the war and is critically dependent on Western defense supplies.
Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Warsaw is also increasing the production of shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the European Union has approved separate programs to finance the defense industry.
The British Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the new factories should strengthen the West’s long-term ability to supply Ukraine with ammunition, even if the war continues.
