Britain Signs Contracts to Manufacture Artillery Barrels for Ukraine

23 January, 2025 Illustrative photo of artillery barrels being manufactured. Photo credits: aubertduval.com The United Kingdom has signed contracts with two companies to manufacture artillery barrels for Ukraine.

This is reported by Defence Equipment & Support, which is part of the UK Ministry of Defense. The GBP61 million contract was signed with BAE Systems and Sheffield Forgemasters. Artillery barrels for Ukraine's needs will be manufactured in Yorkshire.

"In addition, on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine, we will send Gravehawk, a UK-developed air defense system, to the front line," the statement reads.

Sheffield Forgemasters workshop. Photo credits: machinery-market.co.uk

Previously, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the delivery of 150 artillery pieces to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

This is the first time in 20 years that weapons have been manufactured in the UK. Sheffield Forgemasters is capable of producing the largest and most technically complex cast and forged steel parts in the world. We are talking about 155-mm AS-90 self-propelled artillery systems and 105-mm L119 trailed howitzers.

"Such support from the British industry will allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to maintain vital systems such as the L119 light howitzers and AS-90 self-propelled artillery systems," representatives of the UK Ministry of Defense stated.

Ukrainian gunners during exercises on AS-90 self-propelled howitzers in Great Britain, March 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom

Back in early July 2024, the UK announced that it would provide Ukraine with new barrels for the AS-90 self-propelled howitzers as part of military assistance. The AS-90 is equipped with the 155mm L31A1 gun with a barrel length of 39 caliber, manufactured by BAE Systems Global Combat Systems.

The gun has a two-chamber muzzle brake, ejector and an integrated magazine for 12 primers.

However, in June it became known that BAE Systems is no longer able to manufacture barrels for these artillery systems.

The United Kingdom found itself in a situation where part of its strategically important defense capabilities came to a standstill during the so-called "global disarmament" after the Cold War.