BAE Systems ships Yorkshire-produced artillery barrel forgings to Ukraine

The first of 150 British-made artillery barrel forgings – produced by BAE Systems in South Yorkshire – are being delivered to Ukraine.

Under a £61 million contract awarded to BAE Systems by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and announced by President Zelensky last year, the programme will deliver 105mm and 155mm artillery barrel forgings to Ukraine, representing the first time barrel production of this kind has taken place in the UK in almost two decades.

The announcement comes as Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP met with BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters.

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.”

The first four barrels have been shipped as development forgings, enabling Ukrainian industry partners to validate manufacturing processes ahead of full-scale integration and production activity.

Manufactured in South Yorkshire before final finishing and integration in Ukraine, the barrels will directly support Ukraine’s battlefield capability while sustaining highly-skilled jobs and strengthening supply chains across the UK defence industrial base.

Drawing on decades of enterprise-wide expertise in artillery and combat systems, BAE Systems is leading delivery and technical integration activity across the programme, working closely with Sheffield Forgemasters and a broad UK supply chain to help re-establish critical sovereign manufacturing capability.

Artillery barrels for Ukraine, forged in Sheffield

The programme coincides 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, further strengthening Sheffield’s position at the centre of UK howitzer production.

Giles Ambrose, Engineering, Technology and Strategy Director for BAE Systems Weapon Systems UK business, said: “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.

“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.”

More than 60 businesses across the UK supply chain are expected to benefit from the programme, supporting skilled employment and investment across the country.