“A substantial proportion of this programme will be delivered through UK manufacturing, integration, sustainment and supply chain activity”

The UK’s biggest defence company is planning major expansion in Sheffield if a bid to replace British Army Land Rovers is successful.

BAE Systems is part of the LionStrike consortium which hopes to supply thousands of modified General Motors pickup trucks.

General Motors vehicles in the LionStrike bid to supply the British Army. | GM

placeholder image — General Motors vehicles in the LionStrike bid to supply the British Army. | GM

The Ministry of Defence’s £2.2bn Land Mobility Programme includes replacements for aging Land Rover and Pinzgauer vehicles.

Sheffield would be the manufacturing lead for seven vehicle variants, BAE says, including command and control, utility, engineer, ambulance and troop-carrying.

If successful, the company would take on another building at Bessemer Park near Meadowhall, where it opened an artillery factory last year.

Sheffield would also provide servicing once the vehicles were in use, including maintenance and overhaul.

Former defence secretary John Healey at the launch of BAE Systems' artillery factory in Sheffield in 2025. | PA

A spokesperson for BAE Systems said the work would create jobs and benefit local companies.

They added: “Team LionStrike is built around a UK-led delivery model focused on sovereign capability, industrial resilience and long-term support for the British Army.

“BAE Systems brings proven defence manufacturing, programme delivery and sustainment expertise to ensure LionStrike can be delivered at scale in the UK.

“We are focused on delivering a realistic, affordable and supportable solution aligned to British Army requirements. Through-life support is fundamental to operational readiness. Our role ensures the Army has a dependable UK-based support solution throughout service life.

“A substantial proportion of this programme will be delivered through UK manufacturing, integration, sustainment and supply chain activity, supporting skilled jobs, early careers opportunities and long-term industrial resilience.”