Britain has restored domestic production of large-calibre gun barrels after a gap of around 20 years, following the official opening of Rheinmetall UK's new gun manufacturing facility in Telford, Shropshire.
The Ministry of Defence announced the opening on Thursday, 22 October 2026, describing it as a step towards rebuilding the country's ability to manufacture critical military equipment at home. The site produces barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including equipment intended to support the Challenger 3 tank programme and modern artillery platforms.
Manufacturing returns to Britain
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting attended the opening alongside Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker and Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger. According to the Ministry of Defence, the facility was transformed from an empty building into an operational manufacturing site in eight months.
Rheinmetall says production of breeches and breech blocks began in May 2026, followed by gun barrels in June. The official opening in October therefore marks the public inauguration of an already operating facility, rather than the first day of production.
The company says the 11,500-square-metre gun hall has capacity, at peak output, to produce up to 245 barrels and more than 50 breeches annually. These are stated production capacities, not confirmed annual deliveries.
Jobs and defence supply chains
The government says the project supports around 100 skilled jobs. Rheinmetall's own announcement says 35 people currently work directly at the gun hall, with employment expected to rise to more than 100 as production develops.
British employees have undertaken specialist training at Rheinmetall's facility in Unterlüß, Germany, before returning to establish production in Telford. The company also intends to introduce British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters into production.
The project forms part of the UK-Germany defence industrial relationship under the Trinity House Agreement signed in 2024. Rheinmetall says its wider UK investment exceeds £200 million over five years, covering activities beyond the Telford gun hall.
Government highlights military readiness
In remarks at the opening, Streeting argued that Britain's defence preparedness depends not only on advanced technology but also on the ability to manufacture and replenish conventional weapons and components at scale.
The government presents the new plant as a way to improve the resilience of domestic supply chains and support British military programmes. However, reopening one manufacturing capability does not make the UK self-sufficient in every component required for tanks or artillery systems.