All articles tagged with #ammunition production
NATO has surpassed Russia in ammunition production due to expanded defense manufacturing across the alliance, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizing the importance of a strong defense industry to counter ongoing threats from Russia and its allies.
NATO has surpassed Russia in ammunition production, signaling a strategic shift as NATO accelerates manufacturing and cooperation to strengthen its defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia and other authoritarian states, with a focus on long-term investment and innovation.
The European Union has allocated over $560 million to local ammunition firms to boost production and meet the demand for shells, aiming to increase the bloc's annual output to two million by 2025. The funding is intended to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and will support investments in facilities for shell production. However, there are concerns about the funding source, as it includes money from the budget of the European Defense Fund, which some argue may impact long-term defense industry development.
Western officials report that Russia lacks sufficient domestic ammunition production to meet its needs in the war on Ukraine, with sanctions impacting its military industry and ability to access Western components. Despite this, President Vladimir Putin remains committed to subjugating Ukraine, while the country itself faces shortages and relies on Western support. Both Russia and Ukraine are experiencing ammunition shortages, with Russia's artillery firing at a much higher rate than Ukraine's, and Moscow requisitioning military equipment intended for foreign allies due to production challenges.
The European Union plans to significantly increase ammunition production in response to Ukraine's requests for support in its conflict with Russia. Ukraine has urged western nations to stop Russia from sourcing key parts for its weapons production. Meanwhile, Ukraine staged an attack on a Russian oil depot, prompting diplomatic tensions as Russia summoned France's ambassador to protest against their alleged involvement in the conflict. France has been a key ally for Ukraine and has announced sending long-range missiles to support Ukraine's defense.
The EU has reached a tentative deal, known as the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), to allocate €500 million to help EU-based manufacturers expand their production capacity for ammunition and missiles. This is part of a three-part plan to provide Ukraine with 1 million ammo rounds within a year and ensure Europe's own stockpiles are not depleted. The EU aims to strengthen its defense industrial base by investing in local firms, securing supply lines, and promoting local procurement. However, there are doubts that €500 million is sufficient to make Europe's defense industry competitive, and discussions are ongoing for additional funding. The deal requires final approval from the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.
The European Union has reached a €500 million deal to accelerate the production of ammunition and missiles in Europe to support Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion. The Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) was fast-tracked through the EU legislative process to urgently provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons. The deal is part of the EU's three-track plan to deliver one million ammunition rounds to Ukraine and replenish member states' stockpiles. The agreement introduces a temporary regulatory framework to address the ammunition supply crisis and aims to bolster the bloc's industrial production capacities. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the legislation next week.
The European Union has pledged €1 billion ($1.1 billion) to refresh its arms factories to better supply Ukraine, with €500 million committed to beefing up the bloc’s ammunition production lines and member states matching the sum with individual contributions. The funds will be used to build new factories producing ammunition and missiles, upgrade existing ones, encourage cross-border partnerships, improve access to raw materials, test and recondition old ammunition stocks, and train new staff. The investment is part of a package of measures agreed on in March to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Finland to discuss his country's war with Russia and its relations with Europe. The visit comes as the EU presented a proposal to boost ammunition production in Europe to replace depleted stocks as it arms Ukraine in its war against Russia. Finland's accession to NATO in April was a symbolic moment for the Western alliance, as the country abandoned its historic Cold War neutrality in response to the Russian threat.
The European Union plans to allocate over 500 million euros to increase ammunition production to help Ukraine and replenish the stocks of EU member countries. The EU would give subsidies to European arms firms for investments that increase production of ammunition and missiles. The plan will need approval from EU governments and the European Parliament to become reality.
Polish ammunition manufacturer Dezamet, part of the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), is to increase its ammunition production capacity to provide adequate supplies to Ukraine. The Polish Prime Minister announced the plan ahead of the visit of EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton. Dezamet is one of more than 50 arms manufacturers in the PGZ group. The plan envisages providing Ukraine with one million pieces of artillery ammunition over 12 months.