Army to import foreign ammo?

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Royal Ordnance, which produces explosives, ammunition and small arms, could be closed with the Ministry of Defence using European firms instead.

Royal Ordnance traces its history back to 1560 and the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey, but is now rumoured to be making a loss.

It was bought by BAE in 1987, and its supply contract with the MoD ends next year. BAE is said to be asking for a more expensive contract, while the MoD is concerned it will be paying well above the open market price.

The MoD is reported to be looking at the national security issues of not having a domestic bullet-making supplier. As many components of BAE's munitions are now imported, a switch to other suppliers may have become less politically sensitive.

A spokesman for the MoD told The Times: "we are working with [it] on a solution that delivers security of supply and value for money to the taxpayer."