Taiwan has started jointly producing 155mm artillery shells with the United States, marking a significant step in the island’s efforts to strengthen its defence readiness amid rising regional tensions. The move reflects growing concern in Taipei about the reliability of wartime supply chains, particularly in the event of a prolonged or high-intensity conflict that could disrupt imports.
According to Taiwan’s defence ministry, the decision has been shaped in part by lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine. The conflict has highlighted how quickly modern warfare can consume ammunition and how vulnerable countries can become if they rely heavily on external suppliers. Taiwanese officials say ensuring a steady, domestic-linked supply of key munitions is now viewed as an urgent national security priority.
The 155mm artillery shell is a NATO-standard round widely used by modern armed forces and is regarded as a critical asset for both defensive and deterrence purposes. By co-producing the ammunition with the United States, Taiwan aims to build up stockpiles while also developing local manufacturing capacity that could be sustained even under pressure. Defence planners believe this approach reduces the risk of shortages if sea or air routes are cut off during a crisis.
Beijing has stepped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, including large-scale drills and regular aircraft and naval patrols near the island. While China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, Taipei views the growing military presence as a direct threat. The prospect of a blockade, whether partial or full, has become a central concern in Taiwanese defence planning, especially given the island’s dependence on imported energy, food, and military supplies.
Taiwanese officials have been careful to frame the joint production project as defensive in nature. They stress that the initiative is aimed at ensuring readiness and resilience rather than escalating tensions. At the same time, the cooperation underscores the depth of security ties between Taiwan and the United States, which remains the island’s most important defence partner despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
From Washington’s perspective, the project fits into a broader strategy of helping partners strengthen self-defence capabilities without deploying US forces directly. Recent US policy has placed increasing emphasis on deterrence through preparedness, particularly in regions where supply lines could be contested during a conflict.
The war in Ukraine has had a profound influence on military thinking worldwide, not least because it has exposed how quickly ammunition reserves can be depleted. European and US defence industries have struggled to keep pace with demand, prompting renewed focus on domestic production and long-term planning. Taiwanese analysts say these lessons resonate strongly on the island, where any disruption could have immediate and severe consequences.
As joint production ramps up, Taiwan hopes the effort will not only secure ammunition supplies but also send a clear signal of resolve. While officials continue to call for stability and dialogue across the Taiwan Strait, they argue that credible defence capabilities are essential to preserving peace.
