UK to increase munitions production in bid to reduce reliance on US
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Shipping containers will be deployed at various sites in the UK to produce a high-explosive compound used in 155mm artillery shells.
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A British soldier with NATO-led Resolute Support Mission forces arrives at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (AP)
The United Kingdom is preparing to significantly boost its domestic production of explosives in an attempt to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States and France, according to a report by The Times published Monday.
The report highlights that shipping containers will be deployed at various sites across the country to produce RDX, a high-explosive compound used in 155mm artillery shells and other military-grade weapons.
"The defense industry is the foundation of our ability to fight and win on the battlefield," British Defense Secretary John Healey stressed.
Reliance on domestic manufacturing
British defense giant BAE Systems plans to establish three new production facilities as part of this expansion. The company aims to ensure operational continuity even in the event of attacks on existing sites and to enhance the resilience of its strategic programs.
The initiative also includes the adoption of a world-first explosive manufacturing technology, marking the most significant advancement in explosives production in over five decades.
Toward sovereign ammunition capabilities
This technological leap will allow the UK to produce its own sovereign explosives, opening the door for the global export of its new technology.
Until now, the UK had relied heavily on importing RDX from the US and France. The shift is seen as a strategic step toward self-sufficiency and reducing foreign reliance in the defense sector.
The decision comes amid a broader trend in Europe’s defense sector to diversify away from US defense suppliers, particularly as concerns grow over the reliability of the United States as an ally.
According to The Times, many European defense firms are now recalibrating their procurement strategies due to fears that US President Donald Trump has rendered Washington an "unreliable partner."
Tariff turmoil
On April 2, Trump signed an executive order imposing so-called "reciprocal" tariffs on foreign imports. While the baseline rate was set at 10%, countries like China were disproportionately targeted, with cumulative tariffs on Chinese goods surging to 145%. These escalations were made under the guise of promoting fairness, yet few concrete demands were communicated, leaving trading partners uncertain and global markets rattled.
Back in the US, the economic consequences are beginning to surface. Manufacturers and importers have warned that the rising costs are unsustainable. Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, said his company's annual tariff expenses could rise from $2.3 million to over $100 million. Meanwhile, Florida-based business owner Emily Ley has filed a lawsuit against the administration, citing nearly $1.2 million in losses due to the tariffs, and accusing the White House of abusing emergency economic powers to impose them.
Economists warn that the tariff regime could contract US GDP by over 1% and drive inflation well beyond 3%. In contrast, China has stressed the need for stability and cooperation in global trade, advocating for predictable rules and equitable development.
