The UK government has announced plans to build at least six new weapons factories as part of a £6 billion rearmament strategy aimed at strengthening national defence and sending a clear message to adversaries, particularly Russia. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that the factories would begin construction “very soon,” though specific locations and timelines will be revealed in the upcoming Strategic Defence Review, set for release on Monday. “We take our defence seriously, we’re stepping up our deterrents,” Healey said, directly addressing concerns over growing threats from the Kremlin.
The initiative will significantly expand the UK’s production of long-range missiles, drones, and rockets, positioning the country as a stronger player in NATO’s collective security framework. In addition to physical weapons manufacturing, the government is also investing £1 billion in cyber warfare capabilities and £1.5 billion to improve military housing over the next five years. Healey emphasized that the plan is not only about defence but also about economic growth, with the new factories expected to boost employment in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
While the government has pledged to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP in the next parliament, critics argue that the current plan stops short of meeting that target by 2029. Healey defended the timeline, stating, “It’s not just how much you spend, but how you spend it.” Some sceptics, however, question whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves will follow through on these commitments, given the broader fiscal pressures facing the UK.
The announcement comes as public interest in national defence grows, highlighted by the upcoming launch of The Wargame, a new Sky News podcast debuting on June 10 that simulates a Russian attack on the UK. Against this backdrop, the government’s rearmament strategy signals a decisive shift in defence policy, reflecting both the urgency of current threats and a long-term vision for security and resilience.
