Taiwan is exploring the possibility of joint production of 155mm artillery shells with the United States. This move follows Washington’s push to increase the production of these critical munitions. Moreover, the plan comes as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities amidst growing regional tensions.
A senior government official confirmed that Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense is considering allocating NT$14 billion (around US$430.88 million) to build a new automated artillery shell production line. This line will be set up at the Armaments Bureau’s 202nd Factory, where current shell production is already underway. The goal is to upgrade the existing line and boost production capacity significantly.
The 202nd Factory in Taiwan already produces 155mm artillery shells. However, the factory has not fully utilized its production capacity in recent years. This is largely due to the relatively low frequency of live-fire training exercises conducted by the Army and Marine Corps. Nevertheless, Taiwan sees a need to ramp up production to meet both current and future defense demands.
In the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, several countries, including the US and European nations, have been prioritizing the establishment and restoration of 155mm artillery shell production lines. These nations recognize the importance of maintaining a steady supply of munitions for military readiness and global security.
In addition, if the plan receives approval from Taiwan’s Presidential Office and Cabinet, the production line’s setup will proceed from fiscal years 2026 to 2030. This joint production of artillery shells with the US could significantly enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities and foster closer military cooperation between the two countries.
The joint production initiative not only strengthens Taiwan’s military capabilities but also solidifies its partnership with the United States. As both nations deepen their defense cooperation, this agreement could serve as a model for future joint military projects.
