The 94,000-square-foot facility will specialise in artillery expertise, including the manufacturing of the M777 lightweight towed howitzer. This aligns with the UK government’s strategy to sustain and revitalise critical national artillery capabilities. Work on preparing the site has already begun, with operations set to commence in 2025.
“Our aim is to deliver long-term artillery capabilities for the UK, which will safeguard, sustain and grow a critical, specialised British industrial capability as well as provide important opportunities for exports,” said John Borton, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business.
The investment reflects BAE Systems’ commitment to supporting evolving defence needs while contributing to the local economy. “As we continue to grow our business to meet our customers’ evolving requirements, this significant investment will help us develop a highly-skilled and adaptable workforce as an important part of the national defence infrastructure,” Borton added.
Clive Betts, Member of Parliament for Sheffield South East, welcomed the announcement. “Sheffield is well known for its strong history of world-class engineering and advanced manufacturing, and BAE Systems’ investment in a new artillery facility and highly skilled jobs will ensure the city continues to play a key role in delivering both economic prosperity and national security,” he said.
BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK designs, develops, manufactures, and supports advanced artillery systems and naval guns, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of defence innovation. The Sheffield project joins a series of major investments across the UK, including a GBP 300 million transformation of shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow, a GBP 200 million upgrade to the munitions business, and a GBP 220 million factory in Rochester, Kent.
