US to Restore TNT Production
For several decades, the United States did not produce TNT. Various types of ammunition were loaded using accumulated stockpiles, buying TNT abroad, or using other explosives. However, there is now an urgent need to resume the production of such explosives, and the necessary measures are now being taken. Washington has already drawn up a plan for further action, concluded the first agreements, and is waiting for the results.
Decisions of the past
During World War II and the Cold War, many large explosives factories were opened in the United States to meet the needs of the military. The main product of these enterprises was TNT, which had significant advantages over other types of explosives. In its original form or as part of various mixtures, it was used in the production of various ammunition.
However, by the 1980s the situation began to change. Various state and public organizations began to criticize the existing explosives factories. Thus, the reason for the complaints was the use of toxic substances in the technological process, which complicated production and posed a danger to personnel.
Environmentalists also voiced criticism. They drew attention to the waste and emissions of production entering the environment. These substances threatened the ecology as a whole, as well as ecosystems and the population.
At that time, the US chemical industry could not offer alternative technologies for producing TNT that would not harm people and nature. In connection with this, in the first half of the eighties, the Pentagon and related structures decided to reduce the production of this explosive. The last production line was stopped in 1986.
However, the cessation of production did not threaten the armed forces. By that time, significant stockpiles of explosives had been accumulated, which could be used to produce ammunition. In addition, part of the TNT needs were met by imports from friendly countries. A solution was also found in the use of other explosives. They were used mainly in the development of new types of weapons.
The situation is changing
After the end of the Cold War, the US military department reduced orders for the production of new types of weapons and ammunition. In connection with this, the production of explosives used to equip ammunition was significantly reduced. This situation persisted for several decades and generally suited both the army and the manufacturers.
However, in 2022, the situation began to change. After the start of the Russian Special Operation to protect Donbass, Washington began to support Ukraine with supplies of various weapons and ammunition. Such assistance in the early stages was carried out at the expense of the warehouse stocks of the American army.
Regular and large-scale deliveries of ammunition to Ukraine led to a reduction in the US arsenals. There was a need for their rapid restoration, and the Pentagon began placing new orders. The industry, in turn, expanded production capacity and began to prepare for increased profits.
However, already in 2022-2023, the Pentagon identified problems with the production of ammunition and explosives. The current volumes of explosives did not meet the needs of the ammunition industry and army orders, and the cost of such products turned out to be too high. In this regard, the military department decided to resume the production of TNT, which has a favorable ratio of combat qualities and cost.
Real measures
In October 2023, the Pentagon began active operations. Documentation for a new tender was posted on the government contracting portal, the purpose of which was to find a contractor company to restore TNT production. A little over a year was allocated for reviewing applications, evaluating them, and selecting a winner - until November 14, 2024.
According to the tender conditions, the future contractor had to build a new enterprise or reconstruct an existing site for the production of TNT. The deadlines for the completion of the work and the launch of production were not specified last year. The plant was required to produce at least 2,3 thousand tons of TNT per year.
The new enterprise's products were to meet the standards of the US and NATO armed forces. The tender documentation stated that the TNT would be used to manufacture ammunition for both the US military and for export. In particular, such products were to be included in the emergency aid program for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel.
The tender was completed on time, and its results were announced a few days ago. The Pentagon has awarded a contract to Repkon USA to carry out the work. It will have to prepare a production line and produce the first batch of TNT in the coming months. The company will receive $435 million for completing these tasks.
It will take about a year to prepare for production and reach design capacity. By the beginning of the 2026 fiscal year, Repkon USA should take its place in the production chain and ensure the production of a wide range of ammunition.
Wide range
In the past, TNT was widely used in the production of various ammunition used by the US Army. Thousands of tons of explosives were required annually to produce them. Later, production volumes decreased along with the need for explosives. Now, production volumes are planned to increase, and along with this, the need for specific raw materials is growing.
According to the American press, TNT from Repkon USA will be supplied to various enterprises engaged in the production of ammunition of all main classes. The exact nomenclature of the products remains unknown for now, and in publications one can only find various estimates.
TNT or mixtures based on it can be used to produce hand grenades, as well as missiles for anti-tank and portable anti-aircraft systems. A significant portion of explosives was previously used to manufacture artillery shells, primarily for barrel systems. In addition, TNT is used in the production of some aviation ammunition.
Given the specifics of American supplies to Ukraine and the needs of the US Army, it can be assumed that most of the output of the new plant will be directed to the production of artillery shells. To replenish the losses of recent years, the US Army needs hundreds of thousands of such ammunition in the main calibers.
The Pentagon also needs to replenish its stockpiles of GMLRS rockets, which are used by the M270 and M142 multiple launch rocket systems. Such products will be inferior in terms of production volume to 155 mm or other barrel-type projectiles. artillery, however, their production will also require a large amount of TNT.
However, it is not yet possible to make a full forecast about the work of the American ammunition industry and the restoration of stockpiles. For obvious reasons, the Pentagon does not disclose its needs for shells, missiles, and other products. In addition, the required volume of explosives for certain industries is not specified.
Upbeat plans
Back in 2022-23, Washington announced its desire to increase the production of military products of all major classes and categories. From time to time, news about real steps in this direction, and the Pentagon is making very optimistic plans.
Now the reason for joy and pride is the restoration of our own TNT production, after almost 40 years of inactivity. This project has been brought to the point of signing a contract for the work, and its results are expected within the next year. Whether these plans can be fulfilled will become clear in just a few months.
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