Watervliet Arsenal expansion to boost vital artillery supply
Americans have decided to expand the Watervliet Arsenal despite the significant increase in production. It is the only manufacturing facility for artillery and tank barrels, supplying the USA and Ukraine. Here's what they produce.
The Watervliet Arsenal in New York is the only artillery barrel producer in the USA. Production has recently increased to a level not seen in 40 years. Major General Michael Lalor, commanding officer of the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, informed Breaking Defense that the facility has significantly increased production over the past three months, but it is still not enough.
The increase in production is in response to growing demand that emerged in 2022 when the USA began supplying howitzers to Ukraine. General Lalor emphasized that M777 howitzers confirmed their precision, durability, and longer-than-expected barrel lifespan.
Current production is not enough in light of findings from Ukraine
To meet the growing demands, the US Army is modernizing supply processes and considering the creation of an additional barrel factory. General Lalor highlighted that Watervliet Arsenal still has the potential for expansion. However, alternative sources are needed to avoid the risks associated with centralized production in one location.
The Army has begun searching for new manufacturers who could start barrel production within 12 to 18 months if they receive the appropriate technical data. General Lalor emphasized that although barrel production is a unique capability, it can be accelerated in crises.
Experiences from the war in Ukraine highlighted weaknesses in the industrial base and the need to diversify production sources. General Lalor stated that the US Army must be prepared for future conflicts that may require a rapid increase in production.
systems for which the Watervliet Arsenal produces barrels
The Watervliet Arsenal produces barrels for M1 Abrams tanks, M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, and light M777 howitzers. The Abrams' M256 caliber 120 mm gun is a licensed version of the German Rheinmetall Rh-120 L44 gun used in Leopard 2 tanks up to version A5.
The gun, along with the recoil mechanism, which is slightly modified compared to the German original, weighs 4,200 lbs, and its force when loaded with modern ammunition allows it to destroy any Russian tank.
On the other hand, the core of M777 howitzers and M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers is a 155-mm-caliber gun with a barrel length of 39 calibers. This puts American artillery behind European artillery, such as the German PzH 2000 or Polish Krab, which has a barrel length of 52 calibers. When firing, for example, the most economical base-bleed shells, the maximum range of American guns is approximately 16 miles, while for European systems, it is 19 miles.
Conversely, using, for example, M549A1 rocket-assisted projectiles, the range of American systems increases to 19 miles, while in the case of European competitors, this value exceeds 31 miles.
