A significant delay in the opening of a new munitions factory in Wales is raising concerns about the United Kingdom’s artillery production capabilities at a crucial time. The Glascoed facility, expected to dramatically enhance the UK’s capacity to manufacture 155mm artillery shells, remains unopened, more than six months after its anticipated launch. This setback not only hampers the British armed forces but also affects the ongoing support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
Glascoed’s Production Potential
The Glascoed plant, located in south Wales, was originally slated to begin operations in the summer of 2025. This facility was projected to increase the UK’s artillery shell production capacity by a staggering 16 times, a vital enhancement given the current global military demands. However, the factory’s construction has been delayed due to a strategic decision made during its development to double its production capacity.
BAE Systems, the owner and operator of Glascoed, confirmed this delay, emphasising the importance of ensuring the facility meets high safety and operational standards. The company, which is Europe’s largest arms manufacturer, acknowledged that while the factory is structurally complete and in the testing phase, the revised plans have extended the timeline for its opening.
The Need for Domestic Production
Ministers have expressed a clear intention to bolster the UK’s ability to produce munitions domestically, reducing reliance on imports from nations such as the United States and France. This shift has become increasingly important in light of geopolitical uncertainties, including recent comments from former US President Donald Trump regarding military aid to Ukraine and potential trade tariffs on NATO allies.
Francis Tusa, a defence analyst, highlighted the critical role of 155mm artillery rounds, noting that they form the “bedrock of all armies when they go into war.” The ongoing delays at Glascoed are seen as detrimental, particularly as the British army seeks to maintain adequate stock levels for potential deployments to Eastern Europe.
Broader Defence Spending Challenges
This situation arises against a backdrop of ongoing discussions regarding military expenditure in the UK. The defence investment plan, originally expected to be finalised in the autumn of 2025, has faced delays, contributing to concerns about a projected £28 billion funding gap in the armed forces over the next four years. This funding uncertainty has already stalled contracts for key projects, such as the next-generation Tempest fighter jet and new military helicopters, which in turn jeopardises thousands of jobs in the defence sector.
Despite these challenges, BAE Systems has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing the production of 155mm artillery shells, which are typically fired from mobile field guns. Currently, the factory produces between 3,000 and 5,000 shells annually, and even with the anticipated increase, production would only reach approximately 80,000 rounds per year. In stark contrast, Germany’s Rheinmetall has opened a new facility capable of producing 1.1 million rounds by 2027.
Government Responses and Future Plans
In early February, Luke Pollard, the minister for defence readiness and industry, reiterated the urgent need for more domestic munitions production, particularly as the UK faces evolving global threats. The government has announced plans to construct six additional munitions factories in the coming years, although details regarding their locations remain undisclosed.
A government spokesperson indicated that the ongoing development of the Glascoed facility would not hinder the UK’s ability to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, emphasising the government’s commitment to a significant increase in defence spending—reportedly the largest since the Cold War.
Why it Matters
The delay at the Glascoed munitions factory poses significant implications for the UK’s defence capabilities and its ability to support allies like Ukraine. As global tensions rise, the necessity for a robust and reliable domestic munitions supply becomes paramount. The challenges faced in opening this facility underscore the critical need for timely decision-making and investment in military production, ensuring that the British armed forces are adequately equipped to respond to future threats.
