Taiwan Bolsters Defense: Automated Artillery Shell Production on the Horizon

A NT$14 Billion Investment to Enhance Ammunition Production and Combat Readiness

The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan is set to invest NT$14 billion (approximately US$431.23 million) in a new automated production line to significantly increase the manufacturing of 155mm artillery shells. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering Taiwan's defense capabilities and meeting the growing global demand for ammunition.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has triggered a surge in demand for 155mm artillery shells, prompting Western nations and Ukraine to ramp up their production. The US has also proposed collaborative manufacturing efforts, further highlighting the importance of enhancing ammunition production.

According to a government source, the new automated production line will be established at Factory 202 of the Armaments Bureau. The investment will also be used to optimize existing shell production lines, thereby increasing overall production capacity. Factory 202 currently manufactures 155mm shells, but the new initiative will significantly boost output to meet projected demand, especially in light of the US-Taiwan manufacturing cooperation agreement.

The project, which is pending approval from both the Executive Yuan and the legislature, is planned as a five-year initiative, commencing next year and running through 2030. The new production line will prioritize the manufacturing of 155mm shells while also supporting the production of 120mm shells for M1A2T tanks. Furthermore, it will contribute to meeting the increasing demand for M230 chain gun shells.

On April 17, the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee visited Factory 202, accompanied by Lieutenant General Yang Chi-jung (楊基榮), to assess the ammunition production process and the ministry’s capacity planning. Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋), the committee convener, emphasized the importance of these inspections in fostering a deeper understanding of the national defense industry. He noted that ammunition production capacity is crucial for maintaining combat effectiveness and expressed the committee’s commitment to assisting the ministry in strengthening combat readiness and the resilience of the defense industry.