General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has announced it is reactivating it manufacturing capabilities of large caliber gun barrels at its Trubia factory in Asturias, Spain due to increased demands, most likely referring to the European rearmament following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The announcement reads below:
“General Dynamics European Land System – Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS) has reactivated its manufacturing capabilities of large caliber gun barrels, as a response to the increased demand for modern, efficient artillery. This revival reflects the company’s continued commitment to national as well as international defense and security requirements.”
Juan A. Escriña, General Director of GDELS-SBS also added the following:
“Operational experience from ongoing military confrontation demonstrate the renewed relevance of artillery as well as main battle tanks. GDELS-SBS is one of the few European companies that has preserved the knowledge and capabilities to manufacture gun barrels of the most demanded calibers for both weapon systems.”
General Dynamics acquired Santa Bárbara Sistemas from the Spanish government in 2001 and has constructed more than two hundred 120mm gun barrels for the Leopard 2E main battle tank of the Spanish Army, over one hundred barrels for its SIAC 155/52 howitzer, both field and coastal artillery, as well as dozens of barrels for the 105 Light Gun, models L118 and L119 at its three arsenals in Seville, Oviedo, and Trubia.
