Hundreds of jobs are set to be created in Monmouthshire and northern England to make military weapons. Arms and security firm BAE Systems will massively increase its production of 155mm artillery shells, which are widely used in international conflicts and are among the most popular in the Ukraine war.
Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence, has placed a significant order worth £280m for the shells, which is set to create hundreds of jobs in the UK.
The investment will see BAE Systems invest in new and expanded facilities at its factory at Glascoed in Monmouthshire and Washington in Tyne and Wear. It is not known exactly how many of the jobs are at its Welsh site but the plans include a new explosive filling facility at Glascoed, which employs around 500 people.
The DE&S says the plans will increase the UK’s stockpile and deliver an eight-fold increase in production capacity. 155mm NATO-standard shells are popular in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where AP reports they are being fired at a rate of 6,000 to 8,000 a day.
DE&S has been heavily involved as NATO nations have provided millions of rounds of ammunition and equipment to Ukrainian armed forces in their fight against Russia. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the increase in the UK’s 155mm production capacity ahead of the ongoing NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
BAE Systems in Glascoed has a long military history having provided equipment used in World War II as well as filling, assembling and packing munitions during the Korean War. Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: “The production of 155mm shells is a demonstration of our commitment to invest in our armed forces and sovereign manufacturing capabilities.
“This is good news for the Army and British jobs, creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs in the north of England and Wales, and ensuring our military can deliver maximum effect on the battlefield.”
Ed Cutts, DE&S director weapons, said: “As we continue to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion, it is crucial we not only replenish the UK’s weapons and ammunition stocks but also increase operational stockpiles so that our armed forces can protect our nation and our allies."
