In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the local ammunition plant is ramping up its production of artillery shells in response to heightened demand related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This increase comes amid escalating hostilities since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant has boosted its output by 50%, now producing 36,000 rounds monthly, a rise from 24,000. These 155 mm howitzer rounds are forged from 2,000-pound steel bars and sent to Iowa for further preparation. Together with two other facilities in Wilkes-Barre, the plant is stepping up production significantly.
Currently, the facility is in the midst of a substantial $400 million modernization project, which is among the largest in its history. With around 20 projects underway, the plant is developing three new production lines aimed at enhancing output further. Richard Hansen, the plant’s Army representative, emphasized that the focus is strictly on 155 mm rounds to meet Pentagon goals.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
The U.S. has already sent over 3 million 155 mm artillery rounds to Ukraine since the conflict began. Recently, the administration announced an additional $125 million in military aid, which includes various types of artillery and rockets.
General Dynamics operates the 500,000-square-foot facility, employing about 300 workers who manually inspect each artillery round to ensure quality. A new machine introduced during Wednesday’s tour can accomplish the work of three people, optimizing the plant’s operations.
Hansen noted the importance of precision: “We want it to go as far as we need it to go to do its job. Lives depend on it—those of both military personnel and innocent civilians.”
Current Developments in the Russian-Ukrainian War
This month marked a significant escalation as Ukraine executed a surprise military operation in Russia’s Kursk region, the largest incursion since World War II. This move has resulted in the evacuation of around 130,000 Russians, although its impact on the broader conflict remains uncertain.
In response, Russia has mobilized reinforcements and launched missile attacks across Ukraine, some intercepted by Western-supplied F-16 jets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the U.S. to remove restrictions on arms deliveries to enable deeper strikes into Russian territory to target military infrastructure.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.