United States has increased production of 155 mm shells to 50,000 per month

The United States has increased production of 155 mm artillery ammunition to 50,000 per month. William LaPlante, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, announced this. By the end of the year, the company plans to ramp up ammunition production to 55,000 per month.

The production ramp up is powered by both modernized and newly built facilities in multiple states (PA, IA, AR, KS, TX). Before the war in Ukraine, the United States could produce about 14,400 artillery shells per month.

William LaPlante. Photo credits: breakingdefense.com

The Pentagon is investing billions of dollars to increase production capacity of 155 mm ammunition in an effort to replenish stocks sent to support Ukraine.

In FY24 alone, the Army planned to spend £3.1 billion to increase the production. In the coming years, the aim is to increase production to 100,000 artillery shells per month. Until 2022, all 155 mm shell casings were produced at one plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a private facility nearby.

The shells were then transported to a plant in Iowa, where they were filled with explosives.

155 mm shells are stored at a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S., February 16, 2023. Photo credits: REUTERS

In May 2024, a new plant for the production of shell casings was opened in Texas. The new General Dynamics plant in Mesquite will produce 30,000 shells per month.

Also, for the first time in 40 years, the United States will resume production of TNT for the needs of the army on its territory.