Key Points
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Target Output: More than 1 million 155-mm artillery shells annually once new facilities reach full capacity.
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Zero to Scale: Ukraine produced no shells of this caliber in 2022; the defense sector is now scaling rapidly with international support.
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Partner Priority: Umerov urged EU allies to prioritise sourcing from Ukrainian manufacturers, especially in UAVs, artillery systems, air-defence, and EW.
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SAFE Initiative: The EU’s new €150 billion SAFE (Security Action for Europe) fund paves the way for Ukraine’s integration into the bloc’s defence-industrial base.
Production Roadmap
| Stage | Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2024-25 | Retrofit existing plants for 155-mm shell lines |
| Phase 2 | 2025-26 | Launch joint ventures with EU partners; begin export certification |
| Phase 3 | 2026-27 | Achieve, then surpass, 1 M shells/year production target |
Strategic Benefits
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Frontline Readiness – Reliable shell supply reduces dependence on foreign stockpiles.
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EU Defence Integration – Ukrainian plants become part of Europe’s long-term munitions ecosystem.
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Economic Upside – High-tech jobs and capital investment bolster Ukraine’s industrial recovery.
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Export Potential – Surplus capacity can equip European armies under joint procurement programmes.
Rustem Umerov: “Ukraine is ready for large-scale joint production—both for today’s battlefield and tomorrow’s European security.”
SAFE Fund Opportunities
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Artillery & Ammunition – Co-financing of new assembly lines and R&D.
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UAV Manufacturing – Scaling drone production for ISR and strike roles.
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Air-Defence & EW Systems – Collaborative development to plug EU capability gaps.
