Fact Check: "Earlier in 2023, BAE Systems was contracted to produce 150 UK-designed artillery barrels for Ukraine."
What We Know
In early 2025, the UK government awarded a contract to BAE Systems to produce 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine, specifically designed for the M777 howitzer. This contract, valued at £61 million (approximately $76 million), was part of a broader effort to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The production is set to take place at facilities in Yorkshire, in collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters, and is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (source-1, source-2).
The announcement regarding this contract was made public on January 22, 2025, although the contract was signed earlier. The production timeline for these barrels has raised some concerns regarding the urgency of delivery to Ukraine, given the ongoing military needs (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that BAE Systems was contracted to produce 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine earlier in 2023 is misleading. The contract was officially awarded in early 2025, not 2023. While the UK government had announced intentions to resume artillery barrel production in the summer of 2024, the actual contract signing and public announcement occurred in January 2025 (source-2, source-5).
The sources confirming the contract's details are credible, including reports from defense news outlets and official government announcements. However, the timeline discrepancy indicates that the claim may have been based on a misunderstanding or miscommunication regarding the contract's actual date of award. The production facility itself is part of a strategic initiative to bolster the UK's defense manufacturing capabilities, which further supports the reliability of the information regarding the contract (source-1, source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "Earlier in 2023, BAE Systems was contracted to produce 150 UK-designed artillery barrels for Ukraine" is False. The contract was awarded in early 2025, not 2023. While the UK government had plans for artillery production that were discussed in 2024, the actual agreement and contract signing took place later, indicating a significant misunderstanding of the timeline involved.
Sources
- UK Revives Artillery Barrel Production with BAE Systems ... Defense News
- The UK Agrees £61 Million Deal to Supply Ukraine with ... Defense Express
- BAE Systems teams with AMS to reinforce support ... BAE Systems
- Missiles and artillery systems: Britain has allocated a £150 ... Militarnyi
- BAE Systems opens artillery factory in Sheffield, restoring ... Defence Industry Europe
- BAE Systems opens £25m artillery factory in Sheffield PES Media
- BAE Systems resumes production of M777 howitzers in the ... Mezha Media
- UK Signs Contracts for Artillery Barrels and Air Defense ... Odessa Journal
