Rheinmetall opens UK gun hall to restore large-calibre weapon production

Rheinmetall UK has officially opened a new manufacturing facility, known as the UK Gun Hall, in Telford. This marks the return of large-calibre weapon production to the United Kingdom for the first time in approximately 20 years.

The 11,500-square-metre facility is designed to manufacture barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems. These components will support critical military programmes, including the Challenger 3 main battle tank, the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, and the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer. At peak capacity, the plant is expected to produce up to 245 barrels and over 50 breeches annually to meet UK, NATO, and international demand.

The project was established in just eight months following Rheinmetall's takeover of the site in late 2024. The facility is expected to support over 100 highly skilled jobs as production scales up. This development is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic supply chains and is supported by the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement, aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

This investment is part of Rheinmetall’s wider commitment of more than £200 million across its UK operations over the last five years. The initiative aims to bolster the UK's sovereign manufacturing capability and enhance military readiness.