Manufactured at GDELS’s facility in Trubia, Asturias, the barrel is intended for use at GD-OTS’s Ammunition Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas. There, it will serve as a fire-testing system to support the development of advanced ammunition, projectiles, and propellants.
This marks a significant example of transatlantic cooperation in defence manufacturing, with European expertise contributing to US munitions innovation. “GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas is the only company within General Dynamics with the capacity to produce large-caliber weapon systems,” the company stated, adding that it is “one of the few in the world with the ability to manufacture tubes from design to qualification.”
According to Defence Blog, the 52-calibre barrel is designed for long-range precision artillery and is compatible with NATO-standard 155mm ammunition. It enhances GD-OTS’s capacity to conduct rigorous testing that ensures performance and reliability of future artillery systems.
The achievement reflects ongoing investment in the Trubia plant, which has seen continuous upgrades to support strategic production capabilities. GDELS highlighted that the facility’s work is increasingly vital as global demand for 155mm artillery systems continues to rise.
