Tank barrel production returns to UK after 20 years as gun hall opens in Telford

Tank barrels will be produced in the UK for the first time in 20 years, with the Defence Secretary opening a new gun hall in Telford today.

Wes Streeting hailed the opening of Rheinmetall UK’s Shropshire facility as a boost to Britain’s defence capabilities.

The gun hall will manufacture barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapons, including for the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer artillery system.

It marks the return of large-calibre weapon manufacturing to UK soil, amid efforts to bolster the country’s defence sector at a time of growing security threats.

Mr Streeting said: “Britain is back in the business of making the weapons that our armed forces need to defend the nation against our adversaries. From an empty site to full production in eight months, this is rapid reindustrialisation in action.

“One hundred skilled jobs in world-class manufacturing and the return of large-calibre weapon production to UK soil for the first time in 20 years – this is what defence as an engine for growth looks like.”

He was opening the facility alongside the head of the British Army, General Sir Roly Walker, and Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger.

Rheinmetall UK took over the site in autumn last year and has brought it into production in eight months.

British workers were trained at the German defence manufacturer’s plant in Unterluss, Germany, before returning to Telford.

The firm is expected to grow its workforce as production increases and build partnerships with smaller British businesses.

Rheinmetall is already involved in the UK’s Boxer combat vehicle and Challenger 3 battle tank programmes.