Image: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022
The Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts worth up to £300,000 each to 22 companies, tasking them with feasibility studies for new energetic materials factories, as per a recent press statement. The move forms part of a wider drive to rebuild Britain’s homegrown ammunition and energetics manufacturing base.
Rebuilding sovereign capability
The selected firms, which include small and medium-sized businesses from England, Scotland and Wales, will study potential sites for at least six new munitions factories. These plants will produce explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics, materials essential to weapons ranging from small arms and artillery to missiles and countermeasures.
The war in Ukraine has underscored the importance of rapid munitions resupply. Officials say the studies will help establish a sovereign, ‘always on’ pipeline for munitions supply, strengthening warfighting readiness and deterrence.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard commented: the government is restoring Britain’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities after decades of decline, while creating at least 1,000 skilled jobs in industrial communities.
Next steps
Companies must submit their findings by the end of September 2026, with construction of the new factories set to begin before year’s end. The top proposals will then receive Front End Engineering Design contracts worth up to £5 million each, covering engineering designs for at least six new sites.
The studies build on £11.1 billion allocated through the Defence Investment Plan for munitions and weapons, aimed at increasing UK stockpiles and securing the right capability mix for the Armed Forces.
Commodore Caroline Dix MBE added: the awards mark a significant step towards rebuilding the UK’s sovereign energetics industry, drawing on expertise from SMEs, defence primes and chemical industry partners alike.
Learn more on the UK MoD website














