Reuters: Explosives scarcity limits Ukraine’s growing mortar shell production

Ukraine has significantly transformed its military industrial capacity since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, producing millions of mortar shells annually from a previous zero production, Ukraine’s top arms official, Reuters reports.

Stretching across a 1,000 km front, Ukraine aims to reduce reliance on Western aid by expanding domestic production. In early 2024, Ukrainian commanders estimated that artillery accounts for 80% of casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, NATO estimates, cited previously by CNN, indicate that Russia produces around 3 million shells annually – nearly three times the combined output of the US and Europe.

In an interview with Reuters, Herman Smetanin, the Ukrainian Strategic Industries Minister, revealed that the country’s primary constraint is not manufacturing capacity but global explosives availability.

“The only problem we have now are powders and explosives. However much explosive comes into Ukraine, that’s how many shells we will have,” he stated.

The 32-year-old minister, who previously led Ukroboronprom, highlighted Ukraine’s ability to produce various artillery types, including the 155mm caliber artillery shells used by NATO-donated heavy artillery pieces. However, he emphasized that current production remains insufficient.

Smetanin also stated that a key goal is to establish serial production of Ukrainian missiles, though global supply chain barriers remain a challenge.

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