BAE Systems has delivered the first British-made artillery barrel forgings to Ukraine under a £61m contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence, marking the return of artillery barrel production to the UK for the first time in almost two decades.
The programme will see 150 barrel forgings – comprising both 105mm and 155mm variants – supplied to Ukraine. The first four development forgings have now been shipped, allowing Ukrainian industry partners to validate manufacturing processes ahead of full-scale integration and production.
Manufactured in South Yorkshire before undergoing final finishing and integration in Ukraine, the barrel forgings are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield capability while supporting skilled employment and rebuilding critical manufacturing expertise within the UK’s defence sector.
The announcement came as Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP visited BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters, which is producing the forgings as part of the programme.
“The barrels produced here in South Yorkshire – the first made in Britain in almost two decades – will help Ukraine on the battlefield, while creating valuable skilled jobs in the UK,” said Jarvis.
“Our Defence Investment Plan backed by £298bn is delivering greater national security for our nation and our allies, and opportunities for people across the UK.”
BAE Systems is leading programme delivery and technical integration, working alongside Sheffield Forgemasters and a UK-wide supply chain to re-establish sovereign artillery barrel manufacturing capability.
The company said more than 60 businesses across the UK defence supply chain are expected to benefit from the programme, helping to sustain skilled employment and encourage further investment across the sector.
Giles Ambrose, Engineering, Technology and Strategy Director for BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems UK business, described the restart of artillery barrel production as a significant milestone.
“Restarting British artillery barrel production in Sheffield is a significant milestone for both BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters, and demonstrates the importance of long-term investment in sovereign defence capability,” he said.
“It’s a proud moment to see the first barrels produced in Sheffield, a city with a rich manufacturing heritage and one we’re honoured to be part of. This programme highlights the strength of collaboration across UK industry and our collective ability to regenerate critical skills and industrial capacity at pace.
“Our presence in Sheffield reflects BAE Systems’ long-term commitment to strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base, supporting highly skilled jobs and ensuring the UK retains the capabilities needed to support its armed forces and allies when it matters most.”
The programme coincides with the opening of BAE Systems’ new £25m artillery manufacturing facility in Sheffield. The 94,000 sq ft site is now fully operational and is expected to support around 100 highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs, reinforcing the city’s role as a centre for UK howitzer production.
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