Ukraine is capable of independently producing Soviet-style 122 mm and 152 mm shells, as well as mortar shells, military equipment, and missiles. However, the production of scarce 155-mm artillery ammunition in Ukraine will begin no earlier than the second half of this year. This was stated by a representative of Ukroboronprom in an interview with The Washington Post on March 20.


Last year, compared to 2022, Ukrainian weapons manufacturers almost tripled the production of ammunition, military equipment, and other means needed by the Ukrainian army. According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, military production is expected to increase sixfold this year.


However, domestic capacities are not enough to compensate for the loss of international support, especially weapons from the United States. Therefore, with a $60 billion aid package stalled in Congress, domestic production is becoming more important than ever.


"Ukrainian defense companies also seek to meet the most urgent needs of the armed forces by producing their own NATO-standard 155mm shells, which are necessary for artillery systems supplied by Ukraine's Western sponsors. There is a catastrophic shortage of these shells at the front, but... production will begin no earlier than the second half of this year," observers write, citing a Ukrainian official.