GDELS-SBS anticipates growing demand for large-calibre gun barrels

A Spanish Army Leopard 2E version of the Leopard 2A6 main battle tank. GDELS-SBS supplied the 120 mm cannons for the tanks. (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann)

General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Barbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS) is resuming its production capabilities for large-calibre gun barrels to stay ahead of anticipated demand. The Trubia factory in Asturias, Spain, has produced a range of large-calibre gun barrels, including 120 mm, 105 mm, and 155 mm, for main battle tanks (MBTs) and artillery, the company said in an 11 June statement.

These include more than 200 120 mm gun barrels for Spanish Army Leopard 2E MBTs, 100 155 mm/52 calibre barrels for SIAC 155/52 howitzers, and dozens of gun barrels for 105 Light Gun L118 and L119 105 mm guns, the statement said.

Ongoing military conflicts have demonstrated the relevance of artillery and MBTs. “GDELS-SBS is one of the few European companies that has preserved the knowledge and capabilities to manufacture gun barrels of the most demanded calibres for both weapon systems,” Juan Escrina, general director of GDELS-SBS, said in the statement.

The company is the only Spanish firm with the ability to manufacture, maintain, and modernise artillery systems to meet the latest requirements, the statement said.

GDELS-SBS is preparing to meet anticipated customer demand at short notice, Andreas Himmelsbach, senior manager for German and international news and media at GDELS, told Janes on 25 June. The company has identified increasing demand for gun barrels but has not yet received concrete orders. GDELS-SBS has retained the necessary equipment and know-how from earlier work to be well-positioned going forward, he said.

GDELS declined to answer further Janes questions.

For more information, please seeUpdate: GDELS presents 10×10 Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier .