The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded contracts to 22 companies to investigate potential locations for new energetic materials manufacturing facilities, in a move designed to strengthen the UK's sovereign munitions supply chain and boost domestic defence production.
The contracts, worth up to £300,000 each, will fund feasibility studies examining where new factories producing explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics could be established. These materials are critical components in a wide range of munitions, including small arms ammunition, artillery rounds, mortars, countermeasures, bombs and missiles.
The initiative forms part of the Government's wider efforts to rebuild Britain's domestic ammunition and energetics manufacturing capability, while supporting regional industrial growth and creating new skilled employment opportunities.
According to the MOD, the studies will focus on identifying suitable sites for at least six new munitions and energetics manufacturing facilities. The programme is intended to help create a resilient, sovereign and continuously available supply of critical materials needed by the UK's Armed Forces.
The move comes amid growing recognition of the importance of secure domestic munitions production, highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the pressures it has placed on defence supply chains across Europe.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: "This Government is building the munitions and energetics factories of the future, restoring Britain's sovereign manufacturing capabilities after decades of decline and helping us to re-industrialise.
"By investing across England, Scotland and Wales, we are strengthening our warfighting readiness and security of supply, while creating at least 1,000 high-skilled jobs in the future in communities that have long been the backbone of British industry and will be again."
A number of small and medium-sized enterprises from across England, Scotland and Wales are among the companies selected to undertake the studies. Each participant will develop detailed proposals covering both manufacturing processes and the most appropriate locations for future facilities.
The Government previously announced that at least 13 potential sites had been identified across the UK, including locations in Monmouthshire, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, North Ayrshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Essex, Worcestershire, Hampshire, Pembrokeshire and Falkirk.
The feasibility studies are part of a broader programme of defence investment. The Government has allocated £11.1 billion through its Defence Investment Plan for munitions and weapons programmes, aimed at expanding stockpiles and ensuring the Armed Forces have access to a balanced mix of capabilities.
Companies awarded the study contracts are expected to submit their findings by the end of September 2026. Subject to the outcomes, construction work on the new energetics facilities is planned to begin before the end of the year.
Following completion of the feasibility stage, the most promising projects will be eligible for Front End Engineering Design (FEED) contracts worth up to £5 million each. These contracts will support the development of detailed engineering plans for at least six new munitions and energetics factories.
Commodore Caroline Dix MBE, Deputy Director Lethality and Protect in National Armaments Director Group – Materiel, said: "The studies will identify how we can grow UK production of the explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics that underpin military capability, driving investment, innovation and skilled jobs across the country. Above all, it will help ensure the Armed Forces have a secure and resilient supply of the munitions they need to fight and win."