New US Army artillery factory boosts 155mm munitions production
The UAPL facility will help meet growing demand for 155mm shells. (Photo: US Marine Corps)
The Universal Artillery Projectile Lines (UAPL) facility will be capable of high-volume production capabilities for large-calibre metal parts and operated by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
The US Army has inaugurated a a new artillery factory which will boost production of 155mm munitions and also have the flexibility to produce a variety of metal parts ranging from 60mm to 155mm.
Funding for the UAPL came from FY22 and FY23 congressional supplementals and reprogramming of funds within the the US Department of Defense.
Under a package of contracts awarded by the US Army worth US$576 million, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) designed and constructed the facility which will facilitate procurement, transportation, installation and commissioning.
Upon completion, the US Army will assume ownership of the capital equipment, subsequently leasing it back to GD-OTS through a government-furnished materiel agreement.
The US Army said: “The facility’s 155mm metal parts production lines also meet US Army modernisation goals by incorporating high levels of automation, modern manufacturing practices and digital-data-capture ability.”
Christine Wormuth, secretary of the US Army, claimed: “This plant is an important example of how we are modernising our World War II-era organic industrial base. The US Army is spending more than a billion dollars every year to make these critical improvements.”
More from Land Warfare
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
