Low artillery ammunition stockpiles threaten British Army readiness
Firing exercise with the 26th Regiment Royal Artillery. (Photo: British Army)
Low artillery ammunition reserves could be a pressing concern in the short term for the British Army, especially if it finds itself engaged in intense exchanges of fire similar to those seen in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine, and the rate at which both combatants are expending artillery ammunition, has raised the question of whether the British Army has enough stockpiles to succeed in a high-intensity conflict.
Western news outlets have claimed that Ukrainian troops are firing between 5,000 and 6,000 rounds a day; a high total but one dwarfed by Russian forces with an estimated 50,000 rounds.
Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow in Land Warfare at the RUSI think-tank, claimed during the RUSI Land Warfare Conference on 28-29 June that the British Army would run out of artillery ammunition in two days at the Russian consumption rate, and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: 3D perception announces next-generation simulation software WarpCore]()
I/ITSEC 2024: 3D perception announces next-generation simulation software WarpCore
The company is also showcasing the Draco and Atlas simulators at I/ITSEC 2024.
-
![Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position]()
Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position
Rheinmetall is working to open up the US market and the potential billions of dollars on offer. In order to get in the door it has purchased engineering company Loc Performance Products.
-
![General Atomic wins contract to further develop Long Range Manoeuvring Projectile]()
General Atomic wins contract to further develop Long Range Manoeuvring Projectile
The round is designed to be fired from 155mm artillery systems but there is potential for it to be further developed as a naval asset. Manufacture could begin in 2026.
