Quigley Visits Production Site for Weaponry to Ukraine

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, visited the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio, to learn about the production of M1 Abrams tanks, the most advanced and survivable tanks in the world. In January, President Biden announced the delivery of 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as they continue to defend themselves against Putin’s illegal invasion.

“Today’s visit reaffirmed what I learned from members of Ukraine’s Rada: weaponry is humanitarian aid. Without weapons, and without combined arms, the Ukrainian people would be subjected to an unending onslaught from the Russian military with no hope of defense. Ukraine has the determination and resolve to win this war, but they need advanced weaponry from the West to end Putin’s invasion,” said Quigley. “I’m confident that the Abrams tanks I learned about today will arrive in Ukraine by the end of the year. Beyond the fight in Ukraine, the continued production of weaponry like this is vital for our national security and our ability to aid our allies around the world. Lines of production must keep up with the speed of war and by preparing now, we are securing our position as a global military power for decades to come.”

This is the first of several site visits Quigley plans to make in coming months as he seeks to learn more about weapons production for Ukraine and the status of our nation’s own stockpile.

Originally known as the Lima Army Tank Plant, the JSMC began operation in 1941, when it was used for World War II equipment production. In 1976 the site was chosen for the production of the XM-1 tank and in 2005, was renamed the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center. In 2010, the facility recognized 30 years of making the Abrams tank. Currently, the JSMC is producing 15 tanks per month.