General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a leading player in the US Army and defense industry, has opened a new strategically important facility in Camden, Arkansas. The state-of-the-art facility will handle the loading, assembly and packaging of 155 mm high-explosive artillery ammunition. The move aims to significantly expand production of a critical munition and is part of a broader effort to revitalize the US industrial infrastructure for military equipment.
Army Secretary: “We Must Get War-Winning Capabilities into Soldiers’ Hands”
Speaking at the facility’s opening ceremony, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll emphasized the need for the Army to transform and deliver battlefield superiority capabilities, including essential munitions, to soldiers as quickly as possible. “The Army is committed to delivering relevant munitions to our soldiers, the joint force, and allies and partners rapidly and at scale,” Driscoll said. “We recognize that a key component of battlefield victory begins in our manufacturing facilities,” he said. These words clearly demonstrate the critical importance of the facility to the U.S. Army’s operational effectiveness and defense capabilities.
New Facility Will Be Able to Produce 50 Thousand Bullets Per Month
The new ammunition facility in Camden will reportedly focus on the final phase of production, where 155mm ammunition bodies will be loaded with high explosive material, assembled, and then securely packaged. The facility features two new loading, assembly, and packaging lines for high explosive shells. At full capacity, these lines will be able to produce approximately 50 rounds per month. This production capacity is a key part of the U.S. goal of increasing total monthly production of 155mm rounds to 100. The new facility was inaugurated on April 22.
Emphasis on Strong Partnership and Rapid Progress
“Today is the result of a strong partnership between industry, local, state and federal government teammates,” Pat Mason, the senior service officer who serves as the acting assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, said at the opening ceremony. Mason emphasized that all parties worked quickly and flexibly to accelerate construction of the facility. Former Army Acquisition Chief Doug Bush also told Defense News in October that supporting all 2025mm parts and materials production by the end of 155 was a key goal, predicting “a lot of ribbon-cutting ceremonies by the end of the year.”
Support for Ukraine and the Target of Replenishing Stocks
The Pentagon is investing billions of dollars to expand its 155mm ammunition production capacity to replenish ammunition stockpiles sent to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The strategic move also aims to ensure the United States has sufficient artillery ammunition stockpiles in the event of another conflict. The Army has planned to allocate an additional $2024 billion in funding in fiscal 3,1 to increase artillery production.
Significant Increase in Production Capacity
Prior to the Russo-Ukrainian War, the US had a monthly production capacity of approximately 155 14mm artillery shells. However, with Ukrainian forces rapidly depleting their artillery ammunition, the US realized that supplies could not be provided adequately with the current production infrastructure. As of October, it is estimated that the Army was producing approximately 400 shells per month. This capacity is expected to increase significantly with the commissioning of the new Camden facility.
Transition from Single Source to Multiple Production Centers
Prior to this significant move, a single facility in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was the primary source of 155mm artillery shell production. In order to meet the increasing demand, the Army established a new production facility in Mesquite, Texas, and commissioned loading and packaging lines in Camden, Arkansas. This strategic diversification aims to reduce manufacturing risk and increase supply chain security. Meanwhile, former Army Chief of Acquisition Doug Bush stated that a similar loading and packaging facility is planned to be established in Parsons, Kansas. The Army has also signed a contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and IMT Defense in Ontario, Canada, for an additional artillery shell production facility. In 2023, the Army has awarded $104 billion in contracts to companies globally for the supply of explosives such as TNT and IMX-1,5, as well as bulk energy materials such as caps and fuses. All of these steps demonstrate the United States’ determination to significantly increase its capacity to produce artillery ammunition and to be prepared for potential future threats.
