21 April 2025
BAE Systems has introduced a new approach to producing propellants for ammunition, eliminating the need for traditional components such as nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin.
This was stated by the company’s press service.
The announcement comes as part of the company’s ongoing modernization of its UK-based munitions manufacturing capabilities. Since 2022, BAE has invested more than £150 million in expanding its production infrastructure.
The upgrades are expected to enable a sixteen-fold increase in the output of 155mm artillery shells, especially following the launch of a new explosive filling facility in Glascoed, set to begin operations this summer.
British 155mm artillery shell L15A2. Photo credits: BAE Systems
In addition, BAE Systems has invested £8.5 million over the past five years in new production techniques.
These efforts have led to breakthroughs in next-generation explosives and rocket propellants.
The new technology uses a continuous flow process to synthesize explosives, eliminating reliance on nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin—two ingredients affected by global supply shortages—by enabling alternative chemical formulations.
BAE says the new process will allow it to meet domestic and export demand for explosives and propellants entirely within the UK. Full-scale operations at the upgraded facilities are expected to begin in late 2026.
Production of 155mm shells at a BAE Systems facility. Photo credits: forcesnews.com
The continuous production method reduces capital investment requirements and operating costs, while also improving safety.
The amount of explosive material present at any given time is significantly lower compared to traditional batch processes.
On April 16, BAE Systems announced a separate $162 million contract to produce titanium components for M777 howitzers for the U.S. Army.
This is very good news. The dependency on cotton for manufacturing explosives is thus finally over.
With Europe’s combined defense industries, many on the cutting edge of technology, the continent could easily become a military powerhouse. Needless to say, this is more important now than ever.