Defence-supported jobs in the UK's weapons and ammunition manufacturing sector increased by 51% during the 2024/25 financial year, according to figures released by the
Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The data shows that employment linked to the manufacture of weapons, ammunition and military fighting vehicles rose by around 2,000 positions year-on-year to reach 5,900 jobs. The increase forms part of a wider expansion in defence-related employment across the UK, with an additional 26,000 roles supported by MOD expenditure during the period.
According to the MOD, defence now supports a total of 462,000 jobs across the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and industry supply chains, underlining the sector's growing role in the UK economy.
Regional employment gains were seen across the country. The North West recorded nearly 4,000 additional defence-supported jobs compared with the previous year, while the South East benefited from more than 3,000 extra roles.
The Government said the growth reflects its efforts to strengthen Britain's sovereign manufacturing capabilities, particularly in munitions production. A renewed focus on domestic supply chains aims to establish what ministers describe as an "always-on" manufacturing pipeline capable of producing critical defence equipment, including artillery systems and missiles, at greater scale within the UK.
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: "These figures show that a rising defence budget is creating more good jobs across the UK. Defence is an engine for growth and our investments are driving reindustrialisation. As we increase our military readiness and capabilities we are generating good well-paid jobs nationwide."
The latest employment figures follow the Government's recently announced £8.4 billion investment in the UK's next generation nuclear submarine programme, which supports around 47,000 jobs and more than 6,000 suppliers across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The Government says it expects defence-supported employment to grow further under its Defence Investment Plan, which commits £298 billion to UK defence over the next four years.
The programme will direct investment into sectors including munitions, shipbuilding and advanced technologies, with the aim of strengthening both national security and the UK's industrial base.
Pic: A Boxer military vehicle that is built in the UK by Rheinmetall and KNDS