While the United States aimed for a massive increase in artillery production to meet global challenges, a recent Inspector General report reveals a systemic failure, particularly at a Texas facility that has failed to produce any usable components since its inauguration.
Missed targets at the Pentagon: Only one-third of shell production achieved vs the DoW goal
The U.S. Army is facing a massive gap between ambition and reality regarding the manufacturing of 155mm projectiles. Although the set goal was 100,000 units per month by October 2025, data from March 2026 shows that production has plateaued at only 36,000 rounds. This inability to accelerate the industrial pace increases operational risk for the United States and its allies in the context of current and future conflicts.
The failure is largely attributed to the poor performance of metal part production facilities. Two out of three existing plants missed their quotas, and a new unit, intended to be the centerpiece of the strategy, reported zero production of parts meeting contractual specifications. This situation leaves the Army at only 71% of its planned capacity, even in the most optimistic recovery scenarios.
The 469 million dollar fiasco in Texas: Zero components delivered by General Dynamics at the Mesquite unit
The central point of criticism is the Mesquite, Texas plant, owned and operated by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS). Despite receiving a $469 million government investment, the unit has failed to deliver a single conforming part. The facility was supposed to produce 30,000 units monthly, but unproven production processes and equipment that fails to meet technical requirements have completely stalled the assembly line.
Following this deadlock, the Army issued stop-work orders and considered terminating the management exercised by GD-OTS. Recently, an agreement was reached where the company will invest its own funds to complete the project, but the target capacity has been reduced to 20,000 units per month. Pentagon officials are now rigorously monitoring product quality while maintaining the option to diversify supply sources toward external partners.
National security under the deficit shadow: Modernization issues at Scranton and IMT Group
The problems are not limited to Texas. The Scranton Army ammunition plant, also managed by GD-OTS, produced only 15,000 units against a target of 35,000 due to difficulties in upgrading equipment. Similarly, the Ingersoll facility in Canada, operated by the IMT Group, fell short of its established quota. The only unit to meet its commitments is the one in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
The Inspector General recommended a drastic review of the contract for the Mesquite plant to ensure public funds are used efficiently. While the Army attempts to shift part of the production to new sources within the National Technological and Industrial Base (NTIB), skepticism remains regarding the ability to meet security goals by 2028. Without a rapid recovery, the capacity to support allies and the readiness of its own forces remain at high risk.
