Europe rallies to replenish ammunition stockpiles as Ukraine war nears anniversary
155mm artillery shells are in high demand across Europe. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
Europe is looking to increase ammunition production in an effort to bolster national stockpiles while retaining the ability to aid Ukraine.
Over the past few weeks, several European countries announced their plans to increase the number of artillery rounds sent to Ukraine, ranging from reactivating production of NATO and Soviet-standard shells to investing in expanding or building ammunition factories.
While these projects are good news for Ukrainian troops and represent necessary steps to help them sustain war efforts, they are not necessarily a solution to the critical issue faced by most European nations needing to restock national reserves in the face of growing shortages.
Four trends have emerged: hiring more staff to increase production levels of national factories and overall workforces;
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme]()
Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
