In the presence of British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, Rheinmetall officially inaugurated the new “UK Gun Hall” in Telford, thereby, according to its own statements, launching the return of independent manufacture of large-caliber weapons to the United Kingdom. This was described as an important milestone for strengthening the British defense industry, according to the company in a press release issued this Thursday. The “UK Gun Hall” is part of Rheinmetall’s broader investment of more than £200 million (€238 million) in the United Kingdom over the past five years and underscores the company’s long-term commitment in this area.
According to Rheinmetall, the investments also include technology and IP development, infrastructure and personnel. They complement Rheinmetall UK’s activities regarding the Boxer wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, the Challenger 3 main battle tank program and future Army programs. The “Gun Hall” is a concrete example of the industrial partnership between the United Kingdom and Germany established under the Trinity House Agreement. Here, 120-mm and 155-mm weapon systems are manufactured, including for Challenger 3 and for future artillery platforms.
Production Start in the “Gun Hall” in May
Production of breech mechanisms and breech blocks began in May 2026, followed by barrel manufacturing in June 2026. On a production floor of 11,500 square meters, at full capacity the plant can produce up to 245 barrels per year for both calibers, as well as more than 50 breech blocks. The production is expected to secure up to 100 highly skilled jobs as part of the ramp-up.
According to Rheinmetall, the production facility was designed to meet the growing demand from Great Britain, NATO and internationally. It offers scalable manufacturing capacities that strengthen collective deterrence, improve industrial resilience, and solidify Britain’s contribution to security in Europe and the NATO alliance. Rheinmetall said it quickly implemented the concept and transformed an idle facility into a production-ready plant within eight months.
Milestone for Rheinmetall and the British defense industry
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting remarked on the occasion of the opening: “Britain is once again manufacturing the weapons our armed forces require to defend the nation against our adversaries. From an empty site to full production in eight months—that is rapid reindustrialization in practice. One hundred skilled manufacturing jobs at world-class levels and the return of large-caliber weapon production to British soil for the first time in twenty years—this is what defense looks like as a growth engine.”
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, stated: “Today’s opening is an important milestone for Rheinmetall and the United Kingdom. In remarkably short time we have translated our commitment into an independent manufacturing capacity that will strengthen the British defense industry for decades. Britain is a long-standing, valued partner. We build on strong relationships and are determined to invest here for the long term.”
And Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall UK, added: “The official opening of our British Gun Hall is a milestone for Rheinmetall UK and for the British defense industry. In just eight months we have transformed an idle facility into a fully production-ready site by investing in British staff, British expertise and the British industry. From the outset we have listened to Britain’s needs and focused on rapidly providing independent capacities.”
