Strengthening U.S.-Canada Defense Cooperation
The U.S. Army recently celebrated the opening of a new 155mm metal parts facility operated by IMT Group in Ingersoll, Canada, to boost artillery shell production. This facility will produce 15,000 shell bodies per month, helping the Army achieve the goal of reaching 100,000 per month annually by 2026. The enhanced production is critical for U.S. and allied security efforts, particularly in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
The new facility utilizes cutting-edge automation and data-capturing technologies to ensure high-quality and efficient production, which is crucial for the M795 and M1128 artillery shells. The rapid scale-up of production at the facility also strengthens defense cooperation between the U.S. and Canada, reinforcing the critical role that allied partnerships play in national security and global stability.
Response to the Ukraine Conflict
According to Brig. Gen. William Boruff, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments & Ammunition, “This facility stands as a testament to our enduring partnership with Canada, bolstering not only our manufacturing capacity but also our ability to respond to global threats.” The Ukraine conflict has highlighted the need for a robust, agile defense supply chain, with artillery shells becoming a key component of both U.S. and NATO support to Ukrainian forces.
In response to the war in Ukraine, the U.S. and its allies have been steadily increasing the production of munitions, particularly 155mm artillery shells. These rounds are crucial for long-range artillery systems like the M777 howitzers used by Ukrainian forces. The armed forces of Ukraine continue to rely heavily on international military aid, including a steady supply of these artillery rounds, to maintain its defensive and offensive operations. The announcement of this new facility represents a key step in scaling up that supply chain, ensuring a sustainable flow of artillery ammunition to support ongoing military efforts in Ukraine and beyond.
Read More:
- PSF’s Market Report on Robotics, Automation, and Advanced Manufacturing
- Arms Manufacturers Catching Up with World’s Insatiable Need for 155mm Rounds
- Years of miscalculations by U.S., NATO led to dire shell shortage in Ukraine