On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, British company BAE Systems announced that it had delivered to Ukraine the first of 150 artillery barrel forgings. Under a 61 million GBP contract awarded to BAE Systems by the UK Ministry of Defence and announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last year, the program covers the supply of forgings for 105 mm and 155 mm artillery barrels to Ukraine. It marks the resumption of this type of barrel production in the United Kingdom for the first time in nearly two decades.
Photos: BAE Systems
The announcement was made during a meeting between UK Defence Minister Dan Jarvis and representatives of BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters (BAE Systems to Deliver M776 Barrels for M777A2 Howitzers).
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 were shipped as reference forgings, allowing Ukrainian industrial partners to validate their manufacturing processes before full-scale integration and serial production begin. The barrels are manufactured in South Yorkshire before undergoing final machining and integration in Ukraine. They will directly strengthen Ukraine’s combat capabilities while supporting highly skilled jobs and the development of supply chains across the UK defense industry.
Drawing on its extensive experience in artillery and combat systems, BAE Systems is responsible for program delivery and technical integration. The company is working closely with Sheffield Forgemasters and a broad network of UK suppliers to rebuild critical domestic manufacturing capabilities.
„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.
He added: „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 companies across the UK supply chain are expected to benefit from the program, helping sustain highly skilled jobs and drive new investment nationwide.
The program coincides with the opening of BAE Systems’ new 25 million GBP artillery manufacturing facility in Sheffield. The 94,000-square-foot facility, covering approximately 8,700 m², is now fully operational and will employ around 100 highly skilled production workers and engineers, further strengthening Sheffield’s position as a center of howitzer manufacturing in the United Kingdom.
The first British-made artillery barrel forgings in almost two decades are being delivered to Ukraine.
Under a £61 million @DefenceHQ contract, we are leading the delivery and technical integration of 150 barrel forgings, manufactured by @ForgemastersHQ in South Yorkshire. The… pic.twitter.com/VjeS2CMi5X
— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) July 15, 2026
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