Britain to build $2bn weapons factories as Starmer calls for war readiness

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain must be ready to fight and win a war against states with advanced military forces.

Starmer said his government announced a 1.5 billion-pound ($2.0 billion) plan to build at least six new weapons and explosives factories.

Starmer’s warning came a day before he publishes a major review of Britain’s military capabilities.

The UK and countries across Europe are rapidly trying to boost their defence industries after United States President Donald Trump said the continent had to take more responsibility for its own security.

“We are being directly threatened by states with advanced military forces, so we must be ready to fight and win,” Starmer wrote in an article on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

UNICEF donates menstrual hygiene kits to support girls’ education in Sokoto

The prime minister cited as examples Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its co-operation with Iran and North Korea.

Defence Minister John Healey announced the munitions investment programme in a BBC interview on Sunday, describing it as “a message to Moscow” as well as a way to stimulate the country’s sluggish economy.

The Ministry of Defence said it would procure up to 7,000 long-range weapons, built in Britain.

The extra investment means Britain will spend around 6 billion pounds on munitions in the current parliament, the ministry said.

The government wanted to purchase U.S.-made fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons, Reuters reported.

The Star