Rheinmetall opens UK Gun Hall in Telford

Rheinmetall's new UK Gun Hall in Telford has a peak production capacity of 245 barrels for both 120 mm and 155 mm weapon systems. (Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall officially opened the new UK Gun Hall in Telford on 22 October 2026 in the presence of UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and the facility has begun production, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and German company announced in press releases later the same day. The MoD and Rheinmetall said the opening of the Gun Hall marks the return of large-calibre weapon production in the UK.

Rheinmetall said the 11,500 m² facility will manufacture 120 mm and 155 mm weapon systems, including for Challenger 3 main battle tanks and Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 wheeled artillery. At peak capacity, it can produce up to 245 barrels per year for both calibres, as well as more than 50 breeches annually, according to Rheinmetall. Asked what the breakdown of calibres produced each year would be, a company spokesperson told Janes on 23 October, “That is flexible and depends on the requirement in any given year.” Asked by Janes when Challenger 3 120 mm and RCH 155 155 mm barrel production would be completed for the UK and what would happen afterwards, the spokesperson replied, “The UK Gun Hall primarily supplies components to the Unterlüß plant, including, but not limited to, those for the two aforementioned systems.”

Streeting said, “From an empty site to full production in eight months, this is rapid reindustrialisation in action.” He spoke of the 100 skilled jobs created “and the return of large-calibre weapon production to UK soil for the first time in 20 years.”