Defence · Kit & capability · 23 October 2026
Rheinmetall UK starts large-calibre weapon production in Telford
Rheinmetall UK has begun manufacturing weapon components at its Telford facility, Ministry of Defence announced. The new gun hall creates 100 highly skilled jobs and marks the return of large-calibre production to the UK.
Ministry of Defence announced that Rheinmetall UK has started production at its new gun hall in Telford. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP officially opened the facility, which manufactures barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems. This development returns large-calibre weapon manufacturing to the UK after two decades.
The facility creates 100 highly skilled jobs for local workers who were recruited and trained, including time spent at a facility in Germany. According to Ministry of Defence, the site moved from an empty state to full production in eight months. Rheinmetall UK plans to expand its workforce and partner with British SMEs under the new arrangements.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, described the opening as an important milestone for the company and the United Kingdom. The department noted that the rapid setup reflects a broader effort to reindustrialise defence supply chains. No specific limits on production capacity or export restrictions were stated in the announcement.
Written by StreetOwl from Ministry of Defence’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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