UK sends first artillery barrels to Ukraine under new defense program
Photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces (Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Telegram channel)
The United Kingdom has delivered the first four artillery barrels to Ukraine for testing. If the program is successful, Britain could produce up to 150 barrels in 105 mm and 155 mm calibers, according to Army Technology.
First deliveries
The UK has taken the first step in a new program to strengthen Ukraine's artillery by delivering four UK-made artillery barrel forgings.
The barrels will be used to verify production processes and undergo testing before full integration into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The deliveries are part of a contract signed in 2025 between the UK Ministry of Defense and BAE Systems. The agreement is worth £61 million (about $82.2 million).
Up to 150 barrels for Ukraine
The project includes manufacturing forged artillery barrels for 105 mm and 155 mm artillery systems in the UK.
After being produced at Sheffield Forgemasters, the barrels will be shipped to Ukraine, where they will undergo final machining and be integrated into weapons systems.
The first four barrels have been delivered as forgings. Their testing will determine whether the program is ready for full-scale production. If successful, Britain plans to manufacture up to 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine.
BAE Systems said the project will both strengthen Ukraine's combat capabilities and help revive the UK's defense industry by supporting highly skilled jobs.
Which weapons will receive them
Officials have not said which Ukrainian artillery systems will receive the new barrels.
Ukraine operates a wide range of 105 mm and 155 mm artillery, including the domestically produced Bohdana self-propelled howitzer, British L118 light guns, and AS90 self-propelled artillery systems.
According to Army Technology, this is the first artillery barrel production project of its kind in the UK in nearly two decades. It is part of London's broader effort to rebuild its defense industrial base and expand defense manufacturing cooperation with Ukraine.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine continues to develop its domestic ballistic missile program. According to him, the first results have been successful, although he did not provide further details about the project.
