# Rheinmetall Opens Telford Gun Hall

Rheinmetall opened its UK Gun Hall in Telford on October 22, 2026, restoring domestic production of 120mm tank-gun and 155mm artillery-gun barrels and breech blocks. Production began in May and June 2026, and the 11,500 m² facility is designed to produce up to 245 barrels and more than 50 breech blocks annually for the Challenger 3 and RCH 155 programs. Rheinmetall says it intends to use British steel, including from Sheffield Forgemasters. The opening expands UK defense-industrial capacity and creates potential supply-chain opportunities, but the signals announce no new solicitation; the reported investment of more than £200 million applies to Rheinmetall’s broader UK operations over five years, not solely to the facility.

- Companies supplying steel, components, manufacturing services, or workforce capabilities can evaluate opportunities connected to Rheinmetall’s UK supply chain and its stated intention to source British steel.
- The facility supports existing platform programs, including the British Army’s RCH 155 acquisition and Challenger 3 modernization; contractors should distinguish these program opportunities from a new contract award for the Gun Hall.
- Its planned annual output provides a concrete indication of expanded domestic manufacturing capacity for large-caliber weapons. Businesses can assess whether their capabilities align with related platform and supply-chain procurements.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- British Army
- Government of the United Kingdom

### Vendors
- Rheinmetall (UK Gun Hall operator and weapons manufacturer)
- Sheffield Forgemasters (Prospective British steel supplier)
- KNDS UK (Producer of Boxer chassis, engines, and transmissions for RCH 155)

### Key Quotes
> In a remarkably short period of time, we have turned our commitment into a sovereign manufacturing capability that will strengthen Britain’s defence industrial base for decades to come.
> — Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG

> By transferring specialist knowledge from Germany and developing a highly skilled British workforce here in Telford, we are creating skilled jobs, supporting British businesses and building the industrial capacity needed to equip our Armed Forces while investing in the long-term prosperity of the UK.
> — Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall UK

> One hundred skilled jobs in world-class manufacturing and the return of large-caliber weapons production to the United Kingdom for the first time in twenty years—this is what defense as an engine of growth looks like.
> — Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Defence

### Sources
- [Rheinmetall opens UK Gun Hall for 120mm and 155mm weapon production - Defensehere](https://defensehere.com/en/rheinmetall-opens-uk-gun-hall-for-120mm-and-155mm-weapon-production) - Defensehere
- [RT @velitesgear | Full Text Article: https://t.co/HrWU4uqsmI | Author: @militarnyi After 20 years, UK Will Resume Manufacturing Barrels for Tanks and 155 mm Artillery Systems 
Rheinmetall has opened a facility in the UK to manufacture large-caliber gun barrels. Thanks to this, th](https://x.com/velitesgear/status/2113623623663558696) - twitter-defense