Britain has rebuilt the capacity to produce large caliber weapons

The Ministry of Defense has announced plans to regenerate the nation’s capability to produce gun barrel forgings in collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters.

This development comes after a meeting between Defense Secretary John Healey, President Zelenskyy and UK defense industry leaders to discuss boosting industrial production for Ukraine.

In an update, the Ministry of Defense said:

“The MOD has agreed to regenerate the UK’s capacity to produce gun barrel forgings, working in partnership with Sheffield Forgemasters, supporting the repair and overhaul of Ukrainian vehicles; this is the first step towards UK sovereign barrel production, which has been in development for 20 years.

This kind of support from UK industry will enable Ukraine’s armed forces to obtain vital equipment such as the L119 light cannon and the AS90 self-propelled gun, keeping it in combat and repairing damaged equipment as quickly as possible.”

Britain stopped making large caliber gun barrels years ago

According to a report by Christopher F Foss of Shephard News, Britain has stopped producing large caliber gun barrels following the closure of key facilities such as the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Nottingham and an ordnance manufacturing facility in Barrow -in-Furness.

These closures left the UK without domestic manufacturing capabilities for the barrels needed for tanks and artillery. ROF Nottingham was the sole manufacturer of barrels for Challenger 2 tanks and AS90 howitzers, among others, until it closed and the yard was redeveloped.

The challenge became more apparent when Britain supplied Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks and AS90 howitzers. Due to the high rate of fire in combat situations, these tanks and howitzers need regular barrel replacements.

Who are Sheffield Forgemasters?

Sheffield Forgemasters, based in South Yorkshire, has been identified as a key player in the UK’s initiative to restore its gun barrel manufacturing capabilities. Nationalized in July 2021, the company is now fully owned by the Ministry of Defence. Forgemasters specializes in the production of large custom steel castings and forgings, serving sectors such as defence, engineering, nuclear, offshore, petrochemical and steel processing industries.

The company has a long history dating back to the 1750s and has undergone various mergers and acquisitions. Despite financial difficulties and industry challenges, including a failed attempt to acquire a 15,000 ton forging press for civil nuclear components, Forgemasters has maintained its position in the heavy engineering sector.

Forgemasters’ production capabilities include casting Europe’s largest single foundry at 570 tonnes. The company operates two forging presses capable of exerting 4,500 tons and 10,000 tons of pressure, which are essential for the production of high-quality steel components.

In March 2022, the company terminated its supply contract with Gazprom following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. More recently, in July 2024, the Ministry announced an arrangement with Forgemasters to support the repair and overhaul of Ukrainian vehicles, marking a step towards regenerating the UK’s barrel manufacturing capabilities.