The UK will “war game” how British troops could be kept on the front lines in the event of heavy fighting and a supply chain disruption.

In the first defense industrial strategy since then Russia penetrated Ukraine In 2022, the government will identify measures to strengthen national security in the face of increasing global threats and instability.

It comes after that Defense Secretary John Healey said on a Politico podcast that the armed forces were not combat-ready after being hollowed out during 14 years of conservative rule – before announcing warships, military helicopters and drones scrapped to save money.

However, the head of the British armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, insisted on the land is ready to wage a major war.

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

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

Under the strategy, British companies will be given priority in receiving taxpayers’ money. Mr Healey will tell investors they can help lay “the foundation for a decade of national renewal”.

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

“This requires a defense industry that is better and more integrated – one that can keep our forces equipped, innovate at the pace of war and stay ahead of our adversaries.”

Investors and unions will be invited, among other things, to give their views on the sector, with a promise to increase jobs in “every country and region of the UK”.

The strategy is expected to be published in the first half of 2025, the consultation will run until the end of February, and the final version will be published in 2021.

“We will mobilize the private sector to help tackle global threats, drive more public investment into British businesses and create jobs and growth across all countries and regions of the UK,” 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 defense sector we will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”

This comes after the UK provided arms worth millions of pounds in military aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Weapons provided include: Storm Shadow MissilesPart of a commitment to provide military aid worth £3 billion annually to Ukraine – covering everything from training and transport to weapons.

Meanwhile, MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore warned last week that his agency was aware an “astonishingly ruthless campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe” and he had “never seen the world in a more dangerous state” because of the risk that Russia would succeed in the conflict with its neighbor.