The Army is launching a massive new artillery ammo factory in the heart of the Midwest, Axios reported on Wednesday.
The Future Artillery Complex is set to go up at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, aiming to produce approximately 36,000 shells a month, according to Axios. MSM Group North America, a U.S.-based defense manufacturer under the Czechoslovak Group, will spearhead the facility’s construction with a $635 million contract.
“Our principle objective is to expand the depth of the industrial base, particularly ammunition,” MSM Group CEO Jason Gaines told Axios. “The companies we have partnered with are all extremely capable in their respective fields.”
The project will also include help from construction company Wieland, robotics and fabrication company IPS Custom Automation, and engineering firm DetTX, according to Axios. Gaines is a long-time industry veteran, currently chairing the NDIA Industrial Committee of Ammunition Producers and previously serving at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
The facility aims to heavily utilize robotics and automation to produce shells, according to Axios. It is unknown how many employees the facility plans to employ.
“We’re looking to drastically improve — or reduce — the material handling that the operators are doing today, as well as the pouring parameters,” Gaines told Axios.
The Army wants to increase production of 155mm artillery shells to 100,000 units a month, a munition frequently supplied to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. The Army has sent well over 3 million of the shells to Kiev since the invasion began.
Some defense experts have warned that continuing to send munitions to Ukraine could drain U.S. stockpiles to unsafe levels, with similar concerns prompting a brief pause on missile shipments to Ukraine in July.
Under Biden, the Pentagon sent Ukraine over $66.5 billion worth of military assistance.
The Army deferred to their official press release on the new factory when the Daily Caller News Foundation reached out for comment.
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