Howitzers: Medieval cannons and the supply chains of modern war

Ed uncovers the surprising story of the howitzer – the artillery weapon that has dominated battlefields for hundreds of years, from Napoleon to Ukraine and forever changed the economics of war. But this isn't just the story of a big gun.

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As Ukraine battles ammunition shortages, Ed investigates what happens when a modern army runs out of shells, and why NATO struggled to replace them. From forgotten chemical factories in the First World War to today's fragile global supply chains, he reveals how manufacturing, trade and industrial capacity have become just as important as military strategy.

Featuring frontline reporting from Ukraine and conversations with leading military experts, this episode explores how a shortage of artillery helped accelerate the rise of drone warfare - and asks a bigger question: if Britain ever had to defend itself, could it still make the things it needs to fight?

In this episode we spoke with:

• Francis Farrell, frontline reporter at the Kyiv Independent
• Duncan Weldon, economist and author of “Blood and Treasure: The Economics of Conflict from the Vikings to the Modern Era”
• Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow at RUSI

The Stuff Matters series producer is Jake Otajovic. The production team includes assistant producer Valeria Rocca, specialist producer Aoife Yourell, and video producer Charlie Bell. Our bonus episodes are produced by Soila Apparicio. The editor is Philly Beaumont, and the commissioning editor is Paul Stanworth. Sound design and mixing by Luke Hatten. Original music for the series composed by Klong and Ed Conway.

Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over. Find out more and subscribe at skynews.com/stuffmatters