Despite the leaps in battlefield technology over the decades, one core truth remains unchanged in conventional warfare: artillery wins wars.
It was true during both world wars, and it’s equally true in Ukraine today. In fact, nearly two-thirds of all casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict are the result of artillery bombardments. These systems are not only capable of destroying enemy positions, equipment, and morale — they do so before infantry or armoured units even arrive.
No other weapon system delivers this scale of destruction, this quickly, and across such a wide area. With modern fire control systems and advanced logistics, artillery has evolved into a devastatingly efficient force multiplier.
A Dangerous Shortfall
And yet, the UK – like many of its NATO allies – is facing a serious shortfall.
Our artillery stockpiles are alarmingly low. Years of underinvestment, combined with the right (but urgent) decision to supply Ukraine, have exposed critical vulnerabilities. We’ve allowed production to slow in the absence of a direct threat. But those days are gone.
If the UK were to face a combat scenario similar to Ukraine’s, we would not last a week. Our current readiness for sustained engagement is worryingly inadequate.
Understanding the Arsenal
Most modern armies rely on three core types of artillery:
• Towed guns, such as the L118, with a range of around 20km
• Self-propelled systems, like the AS90, which offer mobility and heavier firepower
• Mobile rocket launchers, capable of firing a variety of munitions up to 300km
The UK does not have enough of any of these. Worse still, the lack of NATO standardisation means we can’t easily use allied stockpiles – German or French ammunition may be incompatible with our systems.
Beyond the Big Guns – A Fragile Supply Chain
The Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is beginning to address this – aiming to increase stockpiles and boost production capacity. But as geopolitical tensions rise, so too does global demand for munitions. We are not the only nation rearming.
That’s why we must look deeper — beyond weapons — to the supply chain that underpins them.
Where do we source the hardened steel for artillery shells?
The explosives like TNT?
The propellants such as nitrocellulose?
Too often, the answer is: overseas. In some cases, China.
That presents a clear vulnerability. Should an adversarial state choose to disrupt those supply chains, the UK’s ability to fight would be dramatically undermined — long before the first round is fired.
The Call to Action
This isn’t just a matter for Government or the British Army — it’s a challenge for the entire defence ecosystem. Manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, and strategists must align behind a clear goal:
• Replenish our stockpiles
• Reinvigorate domestic production
• Reduce reliance on imported critical components
• Build long-term resilience into our defence supply chain
We cannot afford to wait for the next Defence Review to confirm what is already plain to see.
The artillery battle is already shaping the future of warfare. Let’s ensure Britain is ready to fight – and win – should the need arise.
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