Tank barrels are made in Britain for the first time in 20 years as German firm Rheinmetall opens Telford factory

Rheinmetall boss Armin Papperger began pouring money into the site 'off the back of a handshake' with army chief Gen Sir Roly Walker, without a formal contract. The UK Gun Hall went from empty building to production in eight months. It can turn out up to 245 barrels a year for 120mm and 155mm weapons. Defence secretary Wes Streeting said Britain was 'back in the business of making weapons'.

Barrels will arm the Challenger 3 tank and future artillery, including the RCH 155.

Papperger is in talks to make more ammunition in Britain, with a decision due within eight months.

Streeting warned that Britain must not just out-innovate its enemies but 'out-produce them too'.