---
title: "Rheinmetall opens new tank barrel manufacturing plant in Britain"
description: "Rheinmetall has opened the UK Gun Hall in Telford, a plant worth over £200M to manufacture 120mm and 155mm tank barrels and artillery systems."
date: 2026-10-23T11:32:27.052Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/rheinmetall-opens-new-plant-in-britain
tags: [rheinmetall, ukraine, defense, industry, military, tanks, britain]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Rheinmetall opens new tank barrel manufacturing plant in Britain

![Machining process of a large metal barrel on an industrial machine at the Rheinmetall plant](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/23/rheinmetall-otkryl-zavod-v-britanii/rheinmetall-otkryl-zavod-v-britanii-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Investments in the project exceeded 200 million British pounds.
- About 100 new jobs were created for specialists.
- Plant capacity reaches up to 245 barrels and 50 breech blocks annually.
- Manufactures 120mm and 155mm systems for Challenger 3 tanks and RCH 155 self-propelled guns.

German defense concern Rheinmetall has officially opened a new specialized production facility called the "UK Gun Hall" in Telford, Britain. The plant is focused on manufacturing large-caliber weapons for armored vehicles and artillery, becoming an important element in strengthening the country's defense and industrial potential. Investments in the project exceeded 200 million British pounds, and the launch of the facility created about 100 new jobs for highly qualified specialists.

### Production capacities and product range

At peak capacity, the new enterprise is capable of producing up to 245 barrels and more than 50 breech mechanisms annually. The plant specializes in manufacturing 120mm and 155mm weapon systems used to equip Challenger 3 main battle tanks, prospective artillery platforms, and RCH 155 self-propelled artillery units. Establishing such production in the United Kingdom restores domestic competencies in manufacturing tank barrels within the country after two decades.

### Integration with local industry

Rheinmetall management plans to gradually integrate British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters into the production cycle. This step aims to strengthen internal supply chains and support the British steel industry. The grand opening ceremony of the facility was hosted by Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger with the participation of representatives from the country's defense ministry.

### Context of defense investments and future prospects

The opening of the plant in Telford occurs against the backdrop of large-scale equipment modernization and increased investment in the European defense sector. Previously, Rheinmetall announced the launch of a medium-caliber ammunition production facility in Spain and also secured major contracts for supplying equipment to the German army. Developing its own heavy weapons production base in the United Kingdom will significantly reduce dependence on external suppliers and secure the long-term needs of the armed forces.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Для танков и не только: Rheinmetall открыл завод по выпуску крупнокалиберного оружия](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/tankiv-i-tilki-rheinmetall-vidkriv-zavod-1792754886.html) - Primary source confirms the opening of the Rheinmetall plant in Telford and investment amounts.
- [В Британии впервые за 20 лет начали выпускать стволы для танков](https://www.gazeta.ru/army/news/2026/10/22/29583313.shtml) - Confirms the resumption of tank barrel production in Britain for the first time in 20 years.
- [В Британии Rheinmetall открыл первое за 20 лет производство стволов для танков](https://www.kp.ru/online/news/7236243/) - UK Ministry of Defense confirms the creation of 100 jobs and the product nomenclature.
- [Британия впервые за 20 лет возобновила производство танковых стволов](https://news.rambler.ru/army/57285294-britaniya-vpervye-za-20-let-vozobnovila-proizvodstvo-tankovyh-stvolov/) - Confirms information about the opening of the Rheinmetall UK plant in Telford.

## FAQ

### Where is the new Rheinmetall gun plant located?

The new UK Gun Hall facility started operations in Telford, United Kingdom.

### What products does the enterprise manufacture?

The plant produces 120mm and 155mm artillery barrels and breech blocks, including for Challenger 3 tanks.

### What is the design capacity of the new plant?

At peak capacity, the plant can produce up to 245 barrels and over 50 breech mechanisms annually.