DoD watchdog finds 155mm artillery plant built 2 years ago has produced nothing
Summary
A Pentagon watchdog report found that a new ammunition plant in Mesquite, Texas, built to produce parts for 155mm artillery rounds, has not made any parts since opening nearly two years ago. This lack of production is slowing the Army’s efforts to replenish artillery supplies, which have been heavily used in support of Ukraine since 2022.Key Facts
- The Mesquite, Texas plant opened in May 2024 to produce metal parts for 155mm artillery rounds.
- As of March 2026, the plant had produced no projectile metal parts meeting contract requirements.
- The Army spent $469 million to build the plant, which was intended to increase artillery production from 14,000 to 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025.
- Army production is currently about 36,000 rounds per month, short of the goal.
- Over four years, the Pentagon’s 155mm artillery stock fell by 3.6 million rounds due to aid given to Ukraine and other uses.
- General Dynamics, which operates the plant, is planning additional investment to fix production problems.
- The Army stopped plant work in August 2025 to evaluate options amid production delays.
- The demand for artillery rounds has decreased somewhat as Ukraine’s war tactics have shifted toward drone use.
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