Taiwan has begun groundwork for co-producing 155mm artillery shells with the US, according to Lt. Gen. Lin Wen-hsiang, head of the Armaments Bureau.
Lin explained that the shells are in high demand due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Taiwan’s need to maintain a secure domestic supply amid Chinese threats and potential disruption to foreign deliveries.
Sources indicate that the collaboration is tied to Taiwan’s incoming M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, ensuring domestic shells are fully compatible with the US system.
Taiwan plans to invest around NT$14 billion ($443 million) to build a fully automated 155mm production line at the 202nd Factory and upgrade existing facilities to boost the output of high-demand ammunition. Success could lead to extending co-production to other weapons systems.
The 155mm NATO-standard shells—roughly 2 feet in length and 100 pounds in weight—support long-range strikes, counter-battery fire, and maneuver operations. Similar initiatives are underway globally, with the US, Poland, and Belgium increasing local 155mm production to meet rising operational needs.
