UK and BAE Systems finalize $162 Mn deal for renewing huge munition stock.

On September 13, 2023, a new agreement worth £130 million ($162 million) was signed between the United Kingdom and BAE Systems for the purchase of 155mm artillery shells, 30mm medium-caliber rounds, and 5.56mm bullets. The deal aims to bolster the existing stockpile of munitions for the British Army.
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AS90 155mm Self-propelled Howitzer (Picture source: United Kingdom MoD)

This latest contract is part of a larger £410 million ($512 million) order and will result in the establishment of a new machining line in Tyne and Wear, Northern England, as well as a new explosive manufacturing facility in Glascoed, South Wales, revealed James Cartlidge, the UK's Minister for Defence Procurement.

The agreement aligns with the UK's revised defense strategy, which commits £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) to restock national arsenals, particularly those supplied to Ukraine. This strategy was outlined in a paper released in July by the Ministry of Defence, aiming to adapt to the evolving warfare landscape in Ukraine and update the UK's equipment and strategic approach.

The new 155mm shells are intended for the British self-propelled gun, the AS90, which has already been sent to Ukraine. The UK has already sent 30 of these to the Ukrainian armed forces between March and April 2023. In addition to these howitzers, there are, of course, the accompanying munitions, and today the British armed forces are looking to replenish their stocks.

The AS90, a self-propelled gun designed in the UK, is equipped with a 155mm 39-caliber gun and a 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine gun. Weighing approximately 45,000 kg, this armored artillery vehicle can reach speeds of up to 55 km/h. Its operational range is impressive, with the ability to travel up to 370 km without needing refueling. In terms of dimensions, the AS90 measures 9.90 meters in length, 3.40 meters in width, and 3.0 meters in height.

The armor of the AS90 is designed to provide protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. As for the crew, the vehicle is designed to accommodate five people. It is also equipped with various accessories that enhance its functionality and safety. Among these are a night vision system, NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection, air conditioning, a fire detection and suppression system, as well as a complete navigation system. One of its most notable features is its auto-lay capability, which allows for quick and precise positioning of the gun.

The contract also fits into the broader goal of the British Army to undergo a comprehensive modernization initiative, backed by a budget of £41 billion ($51 billion) over the next decade. In related developments, Europe has recently committed to accelerating the production of 155mm shells, following the signing of eight joint procurement agreements by the European Defense Agency (EDA) last week.