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Thu, 22 Oct 2026

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 Tank barrel production returns to UK after 20 years

The defence secretary says the UK is "back in the business of making weapons" for its armed forces.

* Rheinmetall's UK Gun Hall in Telford has created 100 jobs and will produce gun barrels and breeches for large calibre weapons.
* The facility is a significant investment by the German defence firm, which already has operations in the UK through its involvement in the Boxer combat vehicle programme and upgrading of Challenger tanks.
* Defence Secretary Wes Streeting attended the opening ceremony and described it as "rapid reindustrialisation" and a boost to Britain's defence capabilities.
* The facility will produce barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including for the RCH 155 and future artillery platforms.
* Rheinmetall plans to expand its workforce in Telford as production ramps up, with current staff having undergone training in Germany before returning to the UK.
* The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in the UK's industrial base and a statement of intent on the government's mission to reindustrialise Britain and create well-paid jobs.