UK revives domestic tank gun barrel production with new Telford facility
A Rheinmetall-run gun hall opened in Telford, restoring UK tank barrel manufacturing after two decades and creating 100 skilled jobs.
Rheinmetall has inaugurated the UK Gun Hall in Telford, marking the first domestic production of tank gun barrels in the United Kingdom for 20 years. The facility will manufacture barrels and breeches for large-calibre weapons such as 120mm and 155mm artillery, including the RCH 155 and future platforms. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting attended the opening, describing the project as a swift example of re-industrialisation that creates 100 high-skill positions.
Staff received training at Rheinmetall’s German plant before returning to work on precision manufacturing and quality assurance. CEO Armin Papperger said the hall represents a milestone that will strengthen the national industrial base for decades, with plans to grow the workforce as production scales up.
Why it matters
The plant restores UK capability to produce key tank components, supporting defence self-reliance and creating skilled jobs.
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