Telford factory restores UK’s ability to produce artillery barrels
Rheinmetall has opened a factory in Telford that restores the UK’s ability to make artillery barrels, a capability it had lacked for 20 years. The opening reflects a wider European push to rebuild defence production after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the UK defence secretary said countries need to manufacture at scale as well as develop advanced weapons.
The plant has begun making barrels for German-made self-propelled howitzers using Nato-standard 155mm ammunition, with production of tank barrels also planned. It can produce 245 barrels and 50 breeches a year, and could expand to as many as 1,000 barrels annually within four or five years if orders justify it. Rheinmetall is also considering UK ammunition production, with a decision expected within six to eight months.
In short
- Telford has restarted UK artillery barrel production.
- The factory can make 245 barrels a year.
- Rheinmetall may expand output if orders arrive.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rebuilding domestic artillery-barrel production could strengthen the UK’s ability to equip its armed forces and support allies during a prolonged period of higher demand. A local industrial base may also improve supply resilience, create skilled jobs and preserve expertise that would be difficult to recover quickly in a crisis.
The case against
Expanding weapons production carries costs and opportunity trade-offs: public funds and industrial capacity devoted to arms may be needed elsewhere, while larger output can contribute to an arms build-up. If demand does not materialise, taxpayers or the company could be left with costly spare capacity, and relying on a single manufacturer may not provide the resilience the investment promises.
Business Celebrity Entertainment Europe Geopolitics Politics UK World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “‘You need a strong industry’: Telford gun hall brings tank barrel production back to UK”.