In its report, “Evaluation of the DoD’s Capability and Capacity to Produce 155-Millimeter Artillery Ammunition,” the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that the Army has increased production of 155mm artillery shells from about 14,000 rounds per month in 2022 to approximately 36,000 rounds per month as of March 2026, but it remains well below its goal of 100,000 rounds per month. The report highlights that expanding production has become a priority as the United States works to replenish stockpiles and continue providing critical artillery ammunition to Ukraine during its war with Russia.

A major obstacle has been the Army’s $469 million Universal Artillery Projectile Lines facility in Mesquite, Texas, which was funded through Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 supplemental appropriations and opened in May 2024. The facility was expected to produce 30,000 projectile metal parts per month, but as of March 2026, it had not produced a single part that met contract specifications.

The production challenge is magnified by Russia’s much larger artillery manufacturing capacity. By late 2024, Russia was estimated to be producing nearly 3 million artillery shells annually, or roughly 250,000 shells per month—nearly triple the combined output of the United States and NATO allies, reports Business Insider. The gap underscores the urgency of expanding Western ammunition production as Ukraine continues to rely heavily on artillery in its defense against Russia.

The OIG concluded that supply chain constraints, workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and production delays continue to hinder the Army’s ability to meet long-term ammunition requirements, despite significant investments to expand the US munitions industrial base and support both domestic readiness and allied commitments.