‘War game’ to test weapons supply chain to frontline British troops

The UK will “war-game” how British troops could be sustained on the frontline in the event of intense fighting and supply chain disruption.

In the first defence industrial strategy since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the government will set out measures to strengthen national security amid increasing global threats and instability.

It comes after Defence Secretary John Healey told a Politico podcast the armed forces were not ready to fight after being hollowed out during 14 years of Conservative rule – before himself announcing warships, military helicopters and drones would be scrapped to save money.

The head of the UK armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, however, has insisted the country is ready to fight a war at scale.

Mr Healey will outline the new approach, which aims to show enemies the UK has an industrial base that can innovate at a wartime pace, at a conference in London on Monday.

A “war game” will explore how the UK defence industry and the Ministry of Defence can develop a faster and more resilient supply chain.

UK firms will be prioritised to receive taxpayers’ money as part of the strategy Mr Healey will tell investors can help provide “the foundation for a decade of national renewal”.

“Our defence sector should be an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our security and economy,” he said.

“That requires a defence industry that is better and more integrated – one that can keep our armed forces equipped, innovating at a wartime pace, and ahead of our adversaries.”

Investors and trade unions will be among those invited to offer views on the sector, with a pledge to increase jobs in in “every nation and region of the UK”.

The strategy is expected to be published in the first half of 2025, with consultation open until the end of February, with the last version published in 2021.

“We will mobilise the private sector to help face down global threats, direct more public investment to British businesses and create jobs and growth in every nation and region of the UK,” Mr Healey said.

“National security is the foundation for national stability and growth. We are sending a signal to the market and to our adversaries: with a strong UK defence sector we will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”

It comes after the UK has provided millions of pounds worth of weapons in the form of military aid to Ukraine, for its fight against Russia.

Among the weapons that have been provided are storm shadow missiles, part of a pledge to provide £3bn worth of military assistance annually to Ukraine – though this covers everything from training and transportation to weapons.

Meanwhile, last week, head of MI6 Sir Richard Moore warned his agency was aware of a “staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe” and he’d “never seen the world in a more dangerous state” due to the risk that Russia would succeed in its conflict with its neighbour.