All articles tagged with #military production
President Trump criticized US defense contractors for slow military production and excessive executive pay, threatening to cut ties with Raytheon and urging increased investment in manufacturing and defense spending, while expressing concerns over shareholder profits taking precedence over military needs.
In 2024, the European defence sector experienced a 13.8% increase in turnover to €183 billion, driven by heightened military spending and industrial growth amid geopolitical tensions, with employment reaching record levels and EU investments prioritizing sovereignty and industrial capacity.
Rheinmetall has opened a new artillery ammunition factory in Germany, aiming to produce 155 mm shells at a capacity of 350,000 units annually by 2027 to meet high demand, especially from Ukraine. The €500 million facility expansion signifies Europe's efforts to bolster munitions stockpiles amid ongoing conflicts, with NATO officials attending the opening. Rheinmetall's stock has surged significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflecting increased investor interest in defense companies.
Russia has revealed its 'largest and most secret' drone factory near Kazan, capable of producing over 5,200 strike drones monthly, with a focus on the Geran-2 model used against Ukraine. The factory employs teenagers and young students in its assembly lines, and has been targeted by Ukrainian drones. Russia's drone production is rapidly expanding, with plans to manufacture tens of thousands of drones in 2025, intensifying the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Russia is rapidly increasing its production of Iranian Shahed drones, aiming to potentially launch up to 2,000 in a single night by November 2025, intensifying attacks on Ukraine and prompting calls for cheaper, more effective air defenses from Kyiv and its allies.
A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial plant in Izhevsk, Russia, has killed three and injured 35, marking one of the deepest strikes inside Russia since the invasion began. The attack targeted a factory producing air defense systems and drones for Russia, amid Ukraine's plans to boost drone production following increased Russian drone assaults. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and military escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia launched its largest missile and drone attack of the war on Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure and military sites, while Ukraine struggles to shoot down incoming missiles and seeks advanced US air defense systems. Russia is also expanding its aircraft production capabilities amid ongoing conflict, and Ukrainian forces are making some territorial advances. The conflict continues with significant civilian and military impacts.
The Pentagon has opened a new ammunition factory in Mesquite, Texas, to produce 30,000 artillery shells per month, significantly boosting U.S. output to support Ukraine's war effort. This facility, the first major arms plant built since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aims to help meet the Pentagon's target of 100,000 shells per month by the end of 2025.
The Kurganmashzavod plant in Russia, which produces BMP-3 and BMD-4 infantry fighting vehicles, faces the risk of submersion due to prolonged flooding in the border regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. Preemptive evacuation protocols have been implemented, and the facility is at risk of being submerged if water levels continue to rise. The plant plays a significant role in the production of Russian military equipment and employs a large workforce, making it a crucial asset within Russia's industrial and defense sectors.
Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service warns that Russia is preparing for a potential decade-long confrontation with the West, with a significant rise in military production enhancing Moscow's ability to continue fighting. The report notes the formation of new military districts aimed at NATO-member Finland and plans to expand Russia's military manpower. European leaders have expressed concerns about the escalating threat posed by Russia, with calls to boost security and defense capabilities in response.
Russia is facing a shortage of weapons to equip its troops amid a potential surge in personnel being drafted for the conflict in Ukraine, as per the Institute for the Study of War. Despite the belief in bottomless reserves, Russia's military-industrial complex is unable to support a larger mobilization, with only a third of reserve units equipped. The country's military production rates would need significant growth to back extensive offensive operations, and even sustained military campaigns may not bridge the gap. This shortage could have a significant impact on the outcome of the war, as Russia recruits poorly-trained soldiers for assaults in Ukraine, resulting in major losses and limited progress on the front lines.
Despite international sanctions, Russia's economy has rebounded and experienced rapid growth in 2023, with GDP increasing by 5.5 percent in the third quarter and 3.2 percent in the first 10 months of the year. However, this growth is largely attributed to militarization and the surge in military production, which has led to inflation reaching 7.5 percent and raised concerns of an overheating economy. The reliance on oil and gas exports has insulated Russia's economy against sanctions, but it also highlights the lack of sustainable development. Labor shortages, declining labor productivity, and emigration of skilled workers further pose challenges to Russia's economic growth. The prioritization of military spending over investments in education and healthcare may hinder the country's ability to address civilian issues and prolong the war.
Ukraine's head of defense intelligence, Lieutenant-General Kyrylo Budanov, revealed in an interview with The Economist that Ukraine has launched a drone campaign to exhaust Russia's air defenses, disable its bombers, and damage military production. The objectives include liberating Ukrainian territories, disrupting the Russian economy, and causing anxiety among the civilian population. Ukraine has developed its own long-range weapons, enabling strikes deep within Russia. Recent attacks have targeted Russia's Black Sea fleet, an aviation fuel production plant near Moscow, and an air defense system in Crimea. Budanov dismissed concerns of escalation and stated that Ukraine is not targeting Russian civilians.
Russian military production of missiles and ammunition is surpassing pre-war levels, despite Western sanctions. Western officials are concerned that the increased stockpile of Russian artillery could lead to a harsh winter for Ukraine if Russia escalates its attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Russia has managed to circumvent sanctions through smuggling tactics, allowing its military production to recover and exceed pre-war levels. The country is now producing more ammunition than the US and Europe, with manufacturing costs significantly lower. Despite concerns, Russia's actual usage of military equipment is outpacing its production levels. Russia is seeking additional aid from its remaining allies, including North Korea.
Despite extensive export controls imposed by the US and the European Union, Russia has managed to import Western-produced components for its military complex, including missiles, drones, armored vehicles, and helicopters. Ukrainian authorities have discovered over a thousand components of Western origin used in Russian military equipment, with two-thirds supplied by US-based companies. Russia has found ways to circumvent export controls, including on-shipment via third countries like China and the use of "on-production" methods. The international coalition opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine must intensify cooperation and information exchange to enforce stricter export controls and prevent Russia from utilizing Western technology to attack Ukraine.