The first four barrels have been sent as development forgings, allowing Ukrainian industry partners to validate manufacturing processes before full-scale integration and production activity. The barrels are being produced in South Yorkshire, with final finishing and integration to take place in Ukraine.
The programme connects battlefield support for Ukraine with a wider UK push to rebuild sovereign defence manufacturing capacity. It also gives BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters a central role in restoring a specialised industrial capability that had been absent from Britain for nearly 20 years.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said: “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. Our Defence Investment Plan backed by £298 billion is delivering greater national security for our nation and our allies, and opportunities for people across the UK.”
BAE Systems is leading delivery and technical integration for the programme, working with Sheffield Forgemasters and a wider UK supply chain. The company said the effort draws on decades of experience in artillery and combat systems while helping regenerate critical national manufacturing skills.
“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,” said Giles Ambrose, Engineering, Technology and Strategy Director for BAE Systems Weapon Systems UK business. The programme is expected to benefit more than 60 businesses across the UK supply chain, supporting skilled employment and investment beyond South Yorkshire.
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 deliveries coincide with the establishment of BAE Systems’ new £25 million artillery manufacturing facility in Sheffield. The 94,000 sq. ft site is now fully operational and will support around 100 highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs.
For the UK, the project is both an urgent contribution to Ukraine’s artillery needs and a longer-term investment in domestic weapons production. For BAE Systems, it strengthens Sheffield’s position in howitzer manufacturing at a time when governments are seeking more resilient supply chains and faster ammunition-related production across Europe.
