The key facts

  • For the first time in 20 years, the UK is once again producing large-calibre weapons on its own territory.
  • The Rheinmetall UK plant in Telford produces gun barrels for tanks and breeches for 120 mm and 155 mm systems, including RCH 155.
  • The project supports 100 highly skilled jobs; reaching full capacity took eight months.

Resumption of Production

On Thursday, the United Kingdom resumed domestic production of large-calibre weapons for the first time in two decades. Rheinmetall UK began output at its gun hall in Telford, which, according to Anadolu, strengthens the country's defence-industrial base.

What the Plant Produces

The facility produces gun barrels for tanks and breeches for weapon systems of 120 mm and 155 mm calibre, including RCH 155 and future artillery platforms. The plant supports 100 highly skilled jobs, and the workforce is expected to grow as production volumes increase. The project is also aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains through a long-term partnership with British small and medium-sized enterprises.

Opening Ceremony and Statements

The opening was conducted by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker, and head of Rheinmetall AG Armin Papperger. Streeting said: 'Britain is once again making the weapons our armed forces need to protect the country from adversaries,' adding that the path 'from an empty site to full production in eight months is rapid reindustrialisation in action.' He also called the project an example of how defence investment drives economic growth: 'One hundred skilled jobs in world-class manufacturing and the return of large-calibre weapons production to UK soil for the first time in twenty years — that is what defence as a growth engine looks like.'

Project Context

Rheinmetall UK received the site in autumn 2025 and brought it to full capacity in eight months, restoring a sovereign manufacturing capability for the British armed forces. According to the outlet, the development is expected to support the long-term expansion of the UK's domestic defence production capacity and economic growth in the region.