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In an effort to meet the increasing global demand for military ammunition, the United States is negotiating to increase its artillery shell production by securing additional explosives supplies from Turkey. These discussions aim to significantly increase the production of NATO-standard 155mm caliber ammunition, with Turkish supplies of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and nitroguanidine playing a pivotal role.

Officials familiar with the negotiations say that this move could triple ammunition production rates. It also comes on the heels of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to significant demand for military support from Western countries seeking to replenish their own depleted stockpiles.

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The effort to increase stockpiles extends beyond receiving more supplies from Turkey; it also includes constructing new production facilities in the United States. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems are leading the establishment of three projectile metal parts lines in Texas involving Turkish subcontractors. Some projections indicate that when this deal is finalized, Turkish explosives supplies could account for a significant portion of US-manufactured artillery shells by 2025.

This development comes ahead of an anticipated meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Biden at the White House. In addition to securing increased explosive supplies from Turkey, President Biden also seeks to strengthen ties between both countries despite previous rifts on various issues, including Syria, Russia, and trade.

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