US Army Boosts Firepower with New 155mm Ammunition Facility in Arkansas
In a significant step to strengthen its artillery firepower, the US Army has opened a brand-new 155mm ammunition facility in Camden, Arkansas. Developed in collaboration with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, this facility is designed to produce high-explosive 155mm artillery projectiles, which are a crucial part of modern battlefield operations.
This new plant will handle the Load, Assemble, and Pack (LAP) stage of ammunition production — essentially the final stage where the components of the shell are brought together, filled with explosive material, and packed for delivery. The facility will run two active production lines capable of manufacturing around 50,000 rounds per month. This is part of a broader effort by the US Army to ramp up the production of critical munitions and meet rising global demands.
To make production faster, safer, and more efficient, the facility is equipped with advanced automation systems and digital quality tracking technologies. These features ensure that every shell produced meets strict quality standards. Additionally, a modern next-generation air-cooling system has been introduced to cure explosives more efficiently while using less water, an important improvement over older cooling methods that were more resource-intensive.
The opening of this facility is also a big win for the local economy. Around 185 new jobs will be created in the Camden region to support the operations of the plant, offering skilled employment opportunities and contributing to regional growth.
This move is part of the US Army’s larger plan to increase the production of 155mm projectiles to 100,000 rounds per month. Since 2022, the Army has quadrupled its ammunition production capacity, responding to both operational needs and growing international security challenges.
Initially, this production boost was aimed at supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russian forces. Recognizing the importance of a steady and reliable ammunition supply, the Army expanded its efforts by signing deals with companies like Olin Winchester to build another ammunition facility in Missouri for the production of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) rounds.
Additionally, defense company BAE Systems joined forces with Hanwha Defense to upgrade the Radford Ammunition Plant, a critical site for producing missile propellants, artillery ammunition, air defense munitions, naval weapons, and explosives.
With the Camden facility now operational, the US Army has taken another important step in ensuring its troops have the firepower readiness needed for current and future conflicts. The combination of modern technology, increased production capacity, and strong public-private partnerships continues to reshape America’s defense manufacturing landscape.
