British multinational BAE Systems expects its 155 mm artillery shell production capacity to grow 16-fold using a new production method at an explosive filling facility at Glascoed, South Wales. The manufacturing plant will become operational in the summer.
According to the company, it developed innovations in the propellant formula and manufacturing process for energetics and propellants, eliminating the need to build a large-scale factory. The new technologies have shown application compatibility across various munitions, ranging from small arms to large-caliber ammunition.
Lower Operating Cost, Safer Operations
BAE Systems said the new technologies require a lower investment due to a significant reduction in operating costs. The company noted that safety will also be enhanced because of the continuous workflow that minimizes explosives at any given time in the manufacturing process.
Steve Cardew, business development director for Maritime and Land Defence Solutions at BAE Systems, described the company’s technology advancement as a “leap forward” in boosting the U.K. supply chain’s resilience in coping with the growing demand for ammunition. “It also supports economic growth through high-skilled jobs and potential export opportunities,” he said.
BAE Systems estimates investments in its U.K. munitions facilities have reached over $200 million since 2022. An additional $11 million was invested in new manufacturing processes in the last five years for advanced explosives and propellants, the company said.
Export Capability
With the added capacities, BAE Systems anticipates that its explosives and propellants production can meet U.K. Ministry of Defence and export requirements starting from the end of 2026. The company is the ministry’s main ammunition supplier, maintaining production sites for wide-ranging munitions, such as small arms and artillery shells, in various U.K. locations.
Outside the United Kingdom, BAE Systems signed a memorandum of understanding in March with Repkon USA to develop and manufacture advanced munitions.