The Ukraine war has taken a new industrial turn as artillery barrels forged in Sheffield, Britain, are being delivered to Kyiv's guns. Steel company Sheffield Forgemasters has sent four barrels to Ukraine out of a planned 150 under a £61m deal announced last year, marking the first time in almost 20 years that forged artillery barrels have been produced in the UK.
Sheffield Steel Powers Ukraine's Artillery
These barrels are critical for Ukraine's battlefield operations. Artillery barrels eventually wear out and need replacement, making this supply chain vital. The barrels have been produced by Forgemasters and the nearby BAE Systems artillery factory, which opened in Sheffield last year. Under the contract, the two companies will produce 105mm and 155mm barrels for Ukrainian artillery.
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Sheffield is currently producing eight barrels a month. The first four shipped are expected to help Ukraine test its own manufacturing facilities. This production comes as the UK and its European allies attempt to increase their ability to manufacture weapons domestically.
Key Details of the Artillery Barrel Deal
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Barrels Planned | 150 |
| Deal Value | £61 million |
| Monthly Production | 8 barrels |
| Barrel Types | 105mm and 155mm |
| Manufacturers | Sheffield Forgemasters & BAE Systems |
Strategic Importance for Ukraine
Forgemasters was nationalised in 2021, with the Ministry of Defence saying the purchase was necessary to secure critical British defence programmes. This move ensures a steady supply of artillery barrels for Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
- Artillery barrels are essential for sustained combat operations
- UK production reduces reliance on foreign suppliers
- First UK-made forged barrels in 20 years
- Supports Ukraine's testing of its own manufacturing capabilities
Political Shifts in Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Sergiy Koretsky, the CEO of state energy firm Naftogaz, is best prepared to become Ukraine's next prime minister in a government reshuffle. The president was greeted with uproar after sacking his defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, as part of a government overhaul. Luke Harding writes that allies and Ukrainian civil society pleaded for Fedorov to keep his job. His six months in office coincided with a dramatic improvement in Ukraine's position on the battlefield. Fedorov's removal has outraged his supporters, and comes amid rumours of a feud with Ukraine's top military commander, Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Zelenskyy characterised his choice of Koretsky as related to Ukraine's energy needs, with its electricity grid and gas supplies battered by Russian attacks. This political turbulence adds another layer of complexity to Ukraine's war effort.
FAQ
What is the Sheffield artillery barrel deal for Ukraine?
The deal is a £61 million contract to produce 150 artillery barrels (105mm and 155mm) in Sheffield, UK, for Ukraine's military. Sheffield Forgemasters and BAE Systems are manufacturing them at a rate of eight per month.
Why are artillery barrels important for Ukraine's war effort?
Artillery barrels wear out from repeated firing and must be replaced to maintain combat effectiveness. A steady supply ensures Ukraine's artillery units can continue operations without interruption.
Who is Sergiy Koretsky and why is he being considered for prime minister?
Sergiy Koretsky is the CEO of Ukraine's state energy firm Naftogaz. President Zelenskyy nominated him as the best candidate for prime minister due to his expertise in managing Ukraine's battered energy grid and gas supplies.
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