The UK is reportedly aiming for independence in explosives production due to concerns about the reliability of US support.
According to The Times, the UK plans to significantly increase its explosives production to lessen its reliance on the United States. This decision stems from growing worries about the dependability of American military assistance.
The plan involves deploying shipping containers across the UK to manufacture RDX, a crucial explosive used in 155mm artillery shells and other British weaponry.
BAE Systems, the sole British producer of these rounds, intends to construct three additional sites to enhance the system’s resilience, according to Steve Cardew, business development director at BAE’s Maritime and Land Defence Solutions.
“One large facility is clearly a big security threat. If you have dispersed facilities, it is much more secure,” Cardew told the newspaper.
Traditionally, RDX production has occurred in large, inefficient plants. Cardew stated that the container-based model would be quicker, more affordable, and more efficient, with each unit having the capacity to produce up to 100 tonnes annually.
He emphasized that this increase was essential “to effectively match Russia and other hostile nations,” adding that rising global demand had “forced” BAE to accelerate production.
The UK has supplied a significant portion of its 155mm ammunition to Ukraine as part of its multi-billion-pound military aid, the report noted.
The report also cited US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy – including tariffs and a temporary halt to military and intelligence aid to Kiev – as a reason the UK and EU are increasingly wary of relying on American weapons.
Tensions have been escalating between Washington and European NATO members due to Trump’s push for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict and his plans to transfer greater security responsibility to Europe following a truce. He has consistently urged European NATO members to increase their military investments, arguing that the US is shouldering too much of the burden.
Currently, 155mm rounds made with explosives sourced from the US are subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (Itar), which restrict their use and resale without US approval.
Cardew stated that BAE, which previously imported RDX from the US and France, will be able to market its own ‘Itar-free’ products worldwide once local production increases.
The company aims to increase its production of 155mm rounds 16-fold when its new plant in south Wales opens this summer.
NATO countries have been outlining plans to increase their military spending, asserting that the funding is vital to prepare for a potential Russian attack. Moscow has denied any aggressive intentions, with President Vladimir Putin describing the speculation as “complete nonsense.”
The Kremlin has consistently criticized Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing that they only prolong the conflict and undermine potential peace negotiations.
“`