Forging future: England’s Sheffield plant’s comeback as defence powerhouse

In the heart of England’s once-mighty industrial belt, Sheffield is reawakening. Long known for its steel and manufacturing legacy, the city is now poised to reclaim its global relevance—this time, not with cutlery or coal, but artillery. 

On June 12, 2025, BAE Systems announced the launch of a 94,000-square-foot state-of-the-art factory that will serve as the UK’s cornerstone for howitzer production. In its analysis, BulgarianMilitary.com states that this bold move is both an economic revival and a strategic defence play amid intensifying global tensions.

The Sheffield facility is designed to produce the M777 lightweight towed howitzer—a combat-tested artillery system lauded for its mobility and precision. The factory will create 200 skilled jobs and support over 60 British companies, delivering a substantial economic boost to South Yorkshire. Expected to be operational by the end of the year, it will not only reinforce the UK’s defence capabilities but also contribute to NATO’s collective security, particularly as Western allies respond to conflicts in Ukraine and rising instability in the Indo-Pacific.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey hailed the plant as “a big boost for South Yorkshire,” aligning it with the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which seeks to integrate defence spending with regional development. His message was clear: this is not just about weapons—it’s about restoring industrial pride and sustaining high-value British jobs.

Secretary of State for Defence, @JohnHealey_MP opened our new artillery factory in Sheffield. Our landmark facility, the home of UK howitzer production, will create 200 new high skilled jobs & support more than 60 businesses across the UK supply chain.

🔗 https://t.co/ymG5bOzM1u pic.twitter.com/wQPD6AyXsv

— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) June 12, 2025

The choice of the M777 howitzer underscores BAE Systems’ focus on proven technology. Weighing just 9,300 pounds, the M777 is significantly lighter than systems like Russia’s 2A65 Msta-B, making it highly deployable by air. With a 155mm barrel capable of launching precision-guided Excalibur rounds up to 25 miles, it has seen extensive use in Afghanistan, Iraq, and more recently, Ukraine. Its lightweight titanium and aluminum frame enables airlift operations that heavier systems cannot match, though it lacks the armour of self-propelled platforms like South Korea’s K9 Thunder.

While praised for its accuracy, the M777 has shown vulnerability to counter-battery fire in Ukraine due to its towed design. Nevertheless, its versatility and ease of deployment make it a valuable asset for rapid-response missions—qualities increasingly in demand as NATO recalibrates for high-intensity conflict.

For Sheffield, the implications stretch far beyond defence. The city, still recovering from the collapse of its steel and coal industries, now has a new economic engine. The factory is expected to inject millions into the local economy through job creation, training programs, and a revived supply chain. Local apprentices will be among the first to work on the line, signaling a generational investment in skilled labour and STEM education.

BAE’s investment also aligns with the UK government’s goal to reduce reliance on foreign military suppliers. The war in Ukraine has exposed the West’s limited artillery stockpiles, prompting urgency in ramping up domestic production. The Sheffield facility meets this need, potentially positioning the UK as an exporter of howitzers to allies such as India and Saudi Arabia—though not without scrutiny from human rights groups.

Challenges remain. BAE Systems must scale operations amid global labour shortages and high energy costs, while navigating a competitive market filled with emerging artillery systems from countries like China and India. But with a flexible production design and an eye on next-generation innovations, the facility is also seen as a testbed for future systems incorporating AI, drones, and automation.

As the article outlines, Sheffield’s revival is more than industrial—it’s symbolic. The city that once armed an empire is once again helping shape the arsenal of democracy. Whether this bold bet on defence-driven growth will hold in the long run remains to be seen—but for now, Sheffield is back on the map.

By Sabina Mammadli