Taiwan has initiated preliminary preparations for the joint production of 155mm artillery shells with the United States, according to Lt. Gen. Lin Wen-hsiang, head of the island’s Armaments Bureau.
While Lin did not elaborate on specifics, he noted that the munitions’ high demand in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and Taiwan’s need to secure a stable domestic supply amid China’s military threats have prompted the collaboration.
Sources indicate the effort is linked to Taiwan’s upcoming M109A7 self-propelled howitzers being delivered from the US this year. The partnership also aims to resolve compatibility issues between Taiwan-made ammunition and the US artillery system by producing shells that meet US specifications.
The defense ministry plans to invest roughly 14 billion New Taiwan dollars ($443 million) to establish an automated 155mm production line at the 202nd Factory and upgrade existing facilities, boosting output of high-demand munitions. If successful, the program could be extended to additional weapons and shells.
The 155mm shells—about 0.6 meters long and weighing roughly 45 kilograms—are NATO-standard, used for long-range strikes, counter-battery fire, and maneuver support. Globally, other nations, including the US and Poland, are also expanding domestic production to meet rising demand.
