Overview
- A cross-party Defence Committee report says the UK lacks a plan to protect the homeland and overseas territories, questions readiness to meet NATO commitments, and warns of over-reliance on the US while noting the promised national conversation has not begun.
- Defence Secretary John Healey says at least 13 locations have been identified for new munitions and energetics factories, with Ministry of Defence–funded feasibility studies under way and construction of the first site expected next year.
- The government plans at least six new plants before the next election, projecting around 1,000 jobs and building on the £1.5 billion additional investment for energetics and munitions announced in June.
- Healey also announced two drone factories opening this week in Plymouth and Swindon as part of a push for an “always on” domestic supply pipeline.
- Talks continue over UK involvement in a €150 billion European defence fund, with reports of contentious negotiations over the financial terms.