Chief of the General Staff's speech at the opening of Telford Gun Hall
The UK has reopened large-calibre gun barrel manufacturing at Telford Gun Hall, restoring a historic capability to produce artillery domestically for the first time in decades.
General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, delivered a speech marking the reopening of large-calibre gun barrel manufacturing in the UK at Telford Gun Hall. He highlighted the absence of this capability for decades, despite Britain’s historical expertise in artillery production at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Walker noted the facility’s role in restoring national industrial capacity to meet modern warfare demands.
Walker emphasised that modern conflicts, such as in Ukraine, require rapid replacement and repair of equipment due to high consumption rates of artillery ammunition. He stressed that industrial capacity must be developed before crises arise, rather than during them, making Telford Gun Hall a critical step in rebuilding the UK’s fighting power.
The facility supports the modernisation of land forces and helps rebuild essential skills and industrial capacity for future defence needs. Walker described it as a strong signal of commitment between government, industry, and the armed forces to strengthen national security.
Walker concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of current and future soldiers, recognising the facility’s contribution to their ability to protect the nation. The opening underscores a renewed focus on domestic defence manufacturing to ensure operational readiness.