The UK is set to ramp up its weapons manufacturing capabilities in a strategic move to reduce reliance on imports from the United States and France, amid growing concerns over the reliability of international defence partners.
BAE Systems, Europe’s largest defence contractor, is spearheading the effort with plans to establish new domestic facilities for the production of critical munitions, including the RDX explosives used in 155mm artillery rounds employed by the British Army. The initiative is designed to strengthen the UK’s defence supply chain, support export ambitions, and enhance national security.
The shift comes as European defence officials express unease over the future reliability of the US as a military partner, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump. The UK’s increased focus on sovereign capability follows similar sentiments across Europe, where defence ministries are looking to boost domestic output and reduce dependence on foreign-made components.
According to The Times, BAE Systems aims to make its ammunition “Itar-free” — meaning free from US International Traffic in Arms Regulations — to ensure that munitions can be freely traded internationally without US restrictions.
The company has announced plans to build three additional UK sites dedicated to producing synthetic explosives and propellants, which will help ease pressure on global supply chains currently strained by demand for nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine.
Steve Cardew, business development director for BAE Systems’ maritime and land defence solutions, said: “Our leap forward in synthetic energetics and propellant manufacture will strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience and support our ramp up of critical munitions production to meet growing demand in response to the increasingly uncertain world we’re living in.”
The government has described the initiative as both a military and economic imperative. Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The defence industry is the foundation of our ability to fight and win on the battlefield. Strengthening homegrown artillery production is an important step in learning the lessons from Ukraine, boosting our industrial resilience and making defence an engine for growth.”
BAE Systems said the new manufacturing methods will also support the UK’s ambitions to become a key exporter in the defence sector, creating high-skilled jobs and opening new markets for British-made arms.
The move forms part of a wider push to reinforce Britain’s industrial base in response to geopolitical instability and the need for greater self-sufficiency in defence production.
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UK to boost domestic weapons production to cut reliance on US and French imports