Key Highlights
New Plant Announcement: Vladyslav Belbas, the director of Ukrainian Armored Vehicles, revealed plans to construct an additional factory to boost the production of ammunition.
Type of Ammunition: While specific types were not disclosed, Belbas mentioned that the company does not plan to manufacture Soviet-style 152 mm shells.
Current Production:
Produces hundreds of thousands of shells per year.
Manufactures a full range of mortar shells from 60 mm to 120 mm.
Produces 122 mm artillery shells.
Increased Domestic Components:
Significant growth in the use of Ukrainian-made components in projectiles over the past year.
Cases and detonators are now produced domestically.
Gunpowder and explosives remain the only imported components.
Mortar Production:
Produces 60 mm, 82 mm, and 120 mm mortars supplied to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Production capacity for mortars is fully booked until the end of 2024.
Details
Expansion Plans
The Ukrainian Armored Vehicles company is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities by opening a new ammunition production plant. Director Vladyslav Belbas announced the plans but did not specify the types of ammunition that will be produced at the new facility. He did clarify that the company does not intend to produce Soviet-era 152 mm shells.
Current Production Capacity
The company currently produces:
Hundreds of thousands of shells annually.
A complete range of mortar shells ranging from 60 mm to 120 mm.
122 mm artillery shells.
Domestic Production Increase
Belbas highlighted a significant increase in the share of Ukrainian-made components in their ammunition:
Cases and detonators are now manufactured within Ukraine.
The reliance on imported components has been reduced to only gunpowder and explosives.
Mortar Production and Capacity
In addition to ammunition, Ukrainian Armored Vehicles also produces:
60 mm, 82 mm, and 120 mm mortars.
These mortars are supplied to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The production capacity for mortars is fully booked through the end of 2024, indicating high demand and full operational capacity.
Significance
Boosting Defense Capabilities: The expansion aims to increase the supply of critical ammunition to meet the needs of Ukraine's defense forces amid ongoing conflicts.
Economic Impact: The new plant will likely create jobs and stimulate economic growth within the region.
Reduced Dependence on Imports: Increasing domestic production of components enhances self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, which is crucial for national security.
