London [UK], June 1: Britain will spend £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) to build six weapons factories to "better deter our opponents", as part of its defence strategy.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the money was part of plans to build an "always-on" weapons pipeline and would support the purchase of up to 7,000 indigenous long-range weapons , according to The Guardian .
"The hard lessons learned from Russia's extraordinary military campaign in Ukraine show that armies are only as strong as the industry that supports them," said Mr Healey. "We are strengthening Britain's industrial base to better deter threats and keep Britain safe at home and strong abroad."
The statement was made in the 130-page Strategic Defence Review (SDR) report of the UK, scheduled to be published on June 2, which will outline the threats the country faces, including the "immediate and urgent" danger posed by Russia, and the capabilities needed to respond to them.
Russia has not commented.
The UK defence industry will be a "driver of economic growth" and a driver of skilled jobs, the report said, citing The Guardian . The new funding of $1.9bn will help fund ammunition spending, support 1,800 jobs across the country and improve military housing.
The UK Ministry of Defence will step up ammunition stockpiling to meet the demands of future "high tempo" warfare.
"A strong economy needs a strong defence, and investing in weapons and ammunition that supports nearly 2,000 jobs across the UK is proof that the two go hand in hand," said Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
