(Sheffield, UK) – BAE Systems is set to open a new artillery manufacturing plant in Sheffield to support Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts against Russia, as the need for howitzers continues to rise.
The company’s decision to invest in a new facility comes at a time when Ukraine is facing critical shortages of artillery, particularly the M777 howitzers. These weapons, essential for Ukraine’s military operations, have seen heavy use and require significant repairs after nearly three years of intense fighting. The new plant, expected to begin production in 2025, will play a vital role in supplying these much-needed artillery units.
BAE Systems will retrofit an existing facility in Sheffield, which will create 50 skilled jobs locally. This move represents a reversal of the company’s earlier decision to scale back production of the M777 howitzers in early 2023. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has sparked a renewed demand for these artillery pieces, prompting the company to resume production in the UK.
The M777 is particularly valued by Ukrainian forces for its portability and reliability. With a weight of just 4.5 tonnes, the howitzer is made from a lightweight titanium-aluminum construction that makes it highly mobile, an essential feature for battlefield conditions in Ukraine.
Although Ukraine has received M777s from the US, Canada, and Australia, many of these units now require repairs or spare parts. To address this, BAE has secured multimillion-pound contracts with the US to supply replacement components and ensure the continued functioning of these critical weapons.
John Borton, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK, highlighted that the new plant will not only enhance the UK’s defense capabilities but also support the country’s export market. “We aim to deliver long-term artillery capabilities for the UK, safeguarding and growing a vital British industrial sector while also expanding export opportunities,” Borton said.
The establishment of this new manufacturing facility is part of a broader trend of increased defense spending and orders in the UK. The defense industry has seen a surge in demand as global tensions rise, strengthening the UK’s position within the global military market.
New Plant in UK to Help Ukraine with Critical Howitzer Supply
| Sheffield Plant Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Start Year | 2025 |
| Jobs Created | 50 |
| Weapon Produced | M777 Howitzer |
| Material Used | Titanium-Aluminum |
| Key Advantage | Lightweight and Portable |
| Major Client | Ukraine |