US Inaugurates Universal Artillery Ammunition Production Facility.

On May 29, 2024, the U.S. Army's Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition held an inauguration ceremony for the new Universal Artillery Projectile Lines (UAPL) facility in Mesquite, Texas. This modular metal parts facility marks an important step in the Army's efforts to modernize its production capabilities.
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A US factory producing 155 mm artillery ammunition. (Picture source: US DoD)

"This plant is a crucial part of our strategy to modernize our World War II-era industrial base," said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. "With an annual investment of over a billion dollars, we are enhancing production lines nationwide and expanding contracts with existing facilities to boost their efficiency and output. The skilled expertise of American workers in these facilities is indispensable. Their dedication, patriotism, and pride are evident in every plant I visit, and I expect no less here in Mesquite. The work done here is vital to our national defense."

Operated by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), the UAPL will have high-volume production capabilities for large-caliber metal parts, equipped with advanced long-stroke, high-tonnage forging machinery. The facility’s 155 mm metal parts production lines align with the Army's modernization goals by integrating high levels of automation, contemporary manufacturing practices, and digital data capture capabilities. It is designed to flexibly produce a range of metal parts from 60 mm to 155 mm with minimal changeover requirements.

The UAPL is a key element of the Army's broader modernization initiative aimed at bringing the industrial base into the 21st century. This modernization includes adopting new technologies, advanced manufacturing equipment and processes, and enhanced surge capabilities for scalable production. These improvements are set to significantly bolster U.S. munitions production capabilities, acting as a powerful deterrent to potential adversaries.

Funding for the UAPL was provided by the fiscal 2022 and 2023 congressional supplementals and reprogramming within the Defense Department. The Army awarded GD-OTS a $576 million contract to design and build the facility, covering procurement, transportation, installation, and commissioning. Upon completion, the Army will own the capital equipment and lease it back to GD-OTS through a government-furnished material agreement. This arrangement underscores the commitment of both the Army and industry to strengthen the defense industrial base and ensure the readiness of the armed forces.

There is a significant imbalance in ammunition production capabilities between Ukraine and Russia. Russia can produce up to 3 million artillery rounds per year, while the U.S. and Europe can only produce about 1.2 million rounds combined. This gap places Ukraine at a disadvantage, requiring increased efforts from its allies to bridge this deficit.

To meet this growing demand, the U.S. and European nations have ramped up their ammunition production efforts, as evidenced by the construction of this new facility. The European Union has allocated $2.2 billion for the procurement and delivery of additional artillery ammunition to Ukraine while boosting the production capacity of the European defense industry. However, these efforts take time to implement.

The high rate of ammunition usage in Ukraine has significantly depleted Western nations' stockpiles, creating an urgent need to replenish these reserves while continuing to supply Ukraine. This necessitates substantial increases in production and long-term investments in production capacities.

The demand for artillery ammunition is critical to maintaining the effectiveness of military operations in Ukraine and ensuring that Western allies have sufficient reserves for their own defense needs. The construction of a new facility is therefore good news for the United States and its allies.

Image of 155 mm shell production. ( Picture Source: US DoD)