Taiwan is taking significant steps towards enhancing its defense capability by initiating preliminary work for the joint production of 155mm artillery shells in collaboration with the United States. This development was announced by Lt. Gen. Lin Wen-hsiang, the head of Taiwan’s Armaments Bureau. While details remain sparse, Lin emphasized the critical demand for 155mm munitions, especially in light of their extensive use in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This partnership also reflects Taiwan’s strategy to bolster its domestic supply, particularly amid increasing threats from China regarding potential military action against the self-governing island.
Sources familiar with the efforts indicated that this collaboration aligns with the upcoming delivery of M109A7 self-propelled howitzers from the US, which are expected to arrive in Taiwan within this year. A key objective of this partnership is to address the current incompatibility between Taiwan’s indigenous ammunition and the specifications required for the US-made M109A7. Reporting from the South China Morning Post noted that the joint production initiative aims to create artillery shells that meet US standards.
In addition to the production partnership, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense is investing approximately 14 billion New Taiwan dollars (around $443 million) to establish an automated artillery ammunition production line at the 202nd Factory of the Armaments Bureau. The investment will also facilitate upgrades to existing facilities to enhance the production capacity of 155mm shells and other high-demand munitions.
Should this collaboration yield positive results, there is potential for its expansion to include other types of weapons and munitions. The United States, as Taiwan’s principal defense supplier, has previously explored opportunities for weapons co-production with Taiwan in 2022, which could involve technology transfers or the manufacturing of platforms in the US using components from Taiwan.
The 155mm shells, approximately 2 feet long and weighing about 100 pounds, are the standard ammunition used by NATO forces for heavy artillery systems, including the M109 Paladins, Panzerhaubitze 2000, and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. These shells are essential for a variety of military operations, including long-range targeting and counter-battery fire.
Globally, the interest in securing domestic supplies of 155mm artillery ammunition is rising, driven by heightened demand amid ongoing conflicts. Notably, the US Army is committing nearly $640 million to procure high-explosive 155mm rounds as part of its Special Ammunition and Weapons Systems program, with a production target of 100,000 rounds per month by mid-2026. In Europe, similar initiatives are underway, with Poland’s state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and BAE Systems collaborating to establish a production facility for 155mm ammunition, while Belgium has commenced the production of shells to lessen dependence on external suppliers.
