Ukraine has begun domestic production of 155mm artillery shells. The ammunition is compatible with NATO-standard howitzers, and production is expected to triple by year-end. Additionally, Ukraine is manufacturing its own 155mm self-propelled howitzer, the 2S22 Bohdana, enhancing its artillery capabilities. Ukraine initially relied on its Soviet-era 152mm artillery and ammunition, but with the support of NATO-supplied 155mm systems, it has gradually shifted towards Western-standard artillery .
Ukraine has recently launched serial production of 155mm artillery shells, confirmed by Oleksandr Kamyshin, Presidential Advisor on Strategic Affairs. This development enables Ukraine to produce ammunition compatible with NATO-standard howitzers, including the American M109, Polish AHS Krab, and British AS90, which Ukraine received from Western allies. The shells are designed to meet NATO standards and include high-explosive and extended-range rounds .
The state defense company Ukroboronprom announced that production of 155mm rounds began in mid-2023, following the completion of testing in August 2024. Ukrainian officials have reported that the facility’s production capacity is expected to triple by the end of the year. Previously, Ukraine had lost its capacity to produce small arms ammunition after the Luhansk Cartridge Plant was seized by Russian forces in 2014.
Ukraine’s efforts to boost its ammunition supply received a further boost through collaboration with international partners. Earlier this year, Ukraine reached an agreement with the German defense company Rheinmetall to establish production facilities for 155mm ammunition. Once fully operational, these facilities are expected to produce enough rounds to sustain Ukraine’s current expenditure of 155mm ammunition, reducing dependence on foreign supplies .
In addition to ammunition production, Ukraine has made strides in reducing its reliance on foreign artillery systems. Following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea, Ukraine began developing the 2S22 Bohdana, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer. The Bohdana has a firing range of up to 40 kilometers with standard rounds and 50 kilometers with extended-range ammunition.
The Bohdana is mounted on a domestically produced KrAZ-6322 6×6 military truck, allowing for a wheeled design that reduces reliance on imported parts. The system underwent initial testing in 2021 and saw combat use in 2022. Although its deployment has been limited, production has increased significantly, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stating that Ukraine is now the leading producer of howitzers in Europe.
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