BREAKING NEWS: The launch of a missile plant in Britain, including for Ukraine, is being delayed, according to The Guardian.

The plant was intended to increase Britain’s production capacity for artillery shells by 16 times.

The new Glascode plant in South Wales, considered key to increasing UK shell production , remains closed more than six months after its planned launch. According to The Guardian , this adds to a string of delays plaguing the British armed forces.

The Glascode plant remains closed.

It was noted that the Glascod plant was intended to increase the UK’s artillery shell production capacity by 16 times, replenishing dwindling stockpiles and increasing supplies to Ukraine. Journalists noted that production was scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, but has yet to begin.

BAE Systems representatives confirmed the delay in a statement to the publication. They attributed it to a decision made midway through construction, in 2025, to double the plant’s capacity.

The publication emphasized that Britain wants to increase its domestic explosives production capacity to reduce its dependence on other countries for ammunition supplies. The country’s concerns have been exacerbated by US President Donald Trump’s unpredictability regarding Ukraine and threats to impose tariffs on NATO countries over the Greenland dispute.

BAE Systems told the publication that the Glascow plant will produce 155mm artillery shells that meet NATO standards.

Defense analyst Francis Tusa told reporters that 155mm shells are “the backbone of all armies when they go to war,” so having the necessary stocks is “crucial.” He said the failure to open the Glascod plant on schedule was a blow to those plans.

What has the delay in opening the plant already led to?

The publication shared that the delay in opening the plant is due to the British government’s hesitation over military spending. The defense investment plan, originally expected to begin in the fall of 2025, has been repeatedly delayed amid warnings that the armed forces will face a funding shortfall of £28 billion (approximately $38 billion) over the next four years.

In addition, journalists noted that this has already led to the suspension of contracts for the UK’s next-generation fighter jet programme, known as Tempest, as well as the supply of new military helicopters.

“The lack of a ramp-up in 155mm ammunition production in the UK means that any army units deployed to Eastern Europe, or reinforcements in Estonia, will currently only have enough 155mm ammunition to last a few days. Even with 64,000 rounds, they could only fight for maybe a month,” Tusa told reporters.

(C)UNIAN 2026