The United Kingdom increases ammunition production
11 July, 2023 Production of L15A1 155mm shells at BAE Systems in UK. Photo from the open sources The United Kingdom is ordering additional ammunition of various calibers and investing in expanding production.
This was reported on the official website of the BAE Systems company. The Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom has placed an order with BAE Systems worth GBP280 million to produce ammunition for the country's armed forces. The order assumes a potential expansion of up to GBP400 million.
It will create 200 new jobs in North England and South Wales. Ammunition production in England and Wales highlights the importance of national ammunition suppliers in supporting the armed forces.
A Lithuanian gunner installs a detonator on a British 155-mm L15A1 projectile. Photo from the network
Building on the existing GBP2.4bn 15-year partnering agreement, the new orders will significantly increase the production of vital defense stocks.
The new orders will significantly increase the production of vital defense stocks for the British army, such as 155mm artillery shells, 30mm medium caliber rounds, and 5.56mm ammunition.
A Warrior tracked armored vehicle crew member with 30mm rounds for the L21A1 RARDEN autocannon. Photo credits: MoD UK
Key investments of the British government are already underway to enable the increased manufacturing rate, including:
- an additional 155mm machining line in Washington, Tyne & Wear
- a new explosive filling facility at Glascoed, South Wales
- reinstatement of the 30mm medium caliber manufacturing capability, at Washington and Glascoed
Militarnyi previously reported that the United Kingdom can no longer manufacture new large-caliber artillery barrels for its tanks and howitzers. The UK found itself in a situation where part of its strategically important defense capabilities stopped during the period of so-called "world disarmament" after the "Cold War".
Now, a whole branch of the arms industry has been lost for the country.
BAE Systems representatives admitted that the restoration of Challenger 2 tanks and AS-90 self-propelled howitzers before their shipment to Ukraine may require so-called "cannibalization", that is, the removal of guns from some vehicles to restore others.
The United Kingdom announced the transfer of the above-mentioned tanks and self-propelled howitzers back in the spring of this year as part of a new military aid package.