The Army and General Dynamics have inaugurated a new facility in Camden, Arkansas, designed for the loading, assembly, and packing of 155mm high-explosive artillery munitions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance U.S. military equipment production capacity and restore the industrial base.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the necessity of transforming capabilities to ensure soldiers have access to crucial munitions promptly. He highlighted that victory on the battlefield relies significantly on production facilities like the one in Camden.
The newly established projectile facility represents the final production stage, where 155mm munition bodies are filled, assembled, and packed. This facility features two lines specifically for loading, assembly, and packing high-explosive projectiles. Once fully operational, these lines are expected to produce up to 50,000 rounds each month, contributing to an overall monthly output goal of 100,000 rounds.
The facility opened on a Tuesday, symbolizing a robust collaboration among industry representatives, local, state, and federal governments, as noted by Pat Mason from the Army’s acquisition and logistics division.
Former Army acquisition chief Doug Bush mentioned in October that a crucial goal is securing all 155mm components and materials production by the end of 2025, hinting at numerous ribbon-cutting events to follow.
The Pentagon’s investment in raising 155mm munition production capacity comes amid ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, ensuring that the United States maintains adequate artillery stockpiles. For FY24, the Army has earmarked $3.1 billion to bolster production levels.
Prior to the Russian-Ukraine War, the U.S. could produce approximately 14,400 artillery shells monthly, but increased demand during the conflict highlighted the inadequacies of existing infrastructure. As of October, production has risen to about 40,000 shells each month.
To meet this heightened demand, the Army not only added the Camden facility but also a new plant in Mesquite, Texas, and plans for another loading and packing site in Parsons, Kansas. Currently, the Scranton, Pennsylvania plant was the sole source of 155mm production, but additional contracts have been made with IMT Defense in Ontario, Canada, for a new shell production facility.
In 2023, the Army awarded contracts worth $1.5 billion globally to acquire essential components including bulk energetics such as TNT and IMX-104 explosives, as well as primers and fuses.
Todd South, a military veteran and experienced journalist, has covered crime, government, and military issues since 2004. He received a Pulitzer finalist nomination in 2014 for work on witness intimidation.
