BAE Systems Opens Sheffield Howitzer Factory Creating 200 Jobs

BAE Systems has opened a new £25 million, 94,000 sq ft artillery factory in Sheffield, positioning the city as the UK hub for lightweight 155mm M777 howitzer production and creating 200 skilled jobs. The facility supports over 60 UK suppliers and forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change and Strategic Defence Review, which includes a £6 billion commitment to munitions production and new factories. The M777 howitzer, renowned for its combat-proven status and lightweight design, is crucial to British support for Ukraine and broader defense capabilities. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the factory’s role in strengthening the UK’s defense industrial base and providing skilled employment, highlighting it as a vote of confidence in the nation's defense sector. The investment also reflects BAE Systems’ long-term commitment to revitalizing UK artillery manufacturing and maintaining sovereign defense capabilities amid global security challenges. This facility is part of wider BAE Systems investments in UK defense infrastructure, signaling a strategic push to enhance domestic arms production.