UK to Build Six New Factories for Artillery Shell Production

According to the UK Defense Journal, the UK government will invest £1.5 billion to build at least six new factories to ramp up domestic artillery shell production.

The decision comes in response to growing global threats and the depletion of ammunition stockpiles.

The new facilities will support a full production cycle for both 155mm and 105mm shells, as well as explosives.

Defence Secretary John Healey noted that the investment aims to ensure the armed forces remain ready and to strengthen national security.

The initiative is part of a broader Strategic Defence Review, which includes plans to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a further increase to 3% under the next government.

During the current parliamentary term, total defense spending is expected to reach £6 billion.

According to the Strategic Defence Review, the factories will be used for sustained production, allowing long-term operational viability and supply continuity.

A consistent flow of orders will allow the UK to replenish stockpiles, respond to emerging threats, and maintain a credible deterrent.
Amid rising demand for artillery ammunition, defence companies are also working to streamline production and reduce costs without compromising quality.

BAE Systems, for example, has introduced a continuous flow process for manufacturing explosives, replacing nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, scarce components in global supply chains, with alternative materials.

BAE Systems notes that the new technology will enable domestic production of required volumes of explosives and propellants for both UK defence needs and export markets. The new factories are expected to be operational by the end of 2026.