Watervliet Arsenal expansion struggles to meet rising demand
Americans have decided to expand the Watervliet Arsenal despite a significant increase in production. It is the only manufacturing facility for artillery and tank barrels, supplying the USA and Ukraine. Here's what they produce.
The Watervliet Arsenal in New York is the only artillery barrel producer in the USA. Production has recently increased to a level not seen in 40 years. Major General Michael Lalor, the commanding officer of the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, informed Breaking Defense that over the past three months, the facility has significantly increased production, but it is still not enough.
The increase in production is in response to the growing demand that emerged in 2022 when the USA began supplying howitzers to Ukraine. General Lalor emphasised that M777 howitzers confirmed their precision, durability, and longer-than-expected barrel lifespan.
Current production is not enough in light of findings from Ukraine
To meet the growing demands, the US Army is modernising supply processes and considering the creation of an additional barrel factory. General Lalor highlighted that the Watervliet Arsenal still has the potential for expansion, but alternative sources are needed to avoid the risks associated with centralised production in one location.
The Army has begun searching for new manufacturers who, if they receive the appropriate technical data, could start barrel production within 12 to 18 months. General Lalor emphasised that although barrel production is a unique capability, it can be accelerated in crisis situations.
Experiences from the war in Ukraine highlighted weaknesses in the industrial base and the need to diversify production sources. General Lalor stated that the US Army must be prepared for future conflicts that may require a rapid increase in production.
Systems for which the Watervliet Arsenal produces barrels
The Watervliet Arsenal produces barrels for M1 Abrams tanks, M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, and light M777 howitzers. The Abrams' M256 calibre 120 mm gun is a licensed version of the German Rheinmetall Rh-120 L44 gun used in Leopard 2 tanks up to version A5.
The gun, along with the recoil mechanism, which is slightly modified compared to the German original, weighs 1,900 kg, and its force, when loaded with modern ammunition, allows it to destroy any Russian tank.
On the other hand, the core of M777 howitzers and M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers is a 155-mm calibre gun with a barrel length of 39 calibres. This puts American artillery behind European artillery, such as the German PzH 2000 or Polish Krab, which has a barrel length of 52 calibres. When firing, for example, the most economical base-bleed shells, the maximum range of American guns is approximately 26 km, while for European systems, it is 31 km.
Conversely, using, for example, M549A1 rocket-assisted projectiles, the range of American systems increases to 31 km, while in the case of European competitors, this value exceeds 50 km.
