The Ukrainian defense company Ukrainian Armored Vehicles has signed a cooperation agreement with the Czech holding Czechoslovak Group (CSG). This partnership encompasses two key agreements:
- Supply of Components: Ensuring a steady flow of necessary parts for ammunition production.
- Licensing of Ammunition Production: Involves the transfer of technology and documentation required to manufacture artillery rounds.
Production Timeline
- Licensing Completion: Expected by the end of this year.
- Production Start: Planned for early 2025.
- Projected Output:
- 2025: Approximately 100,000 artillery shells.
- 2026: More than 300,000 artillery shells.
Preparations for equipment and production facilities have already begun.
Joint Production Efforts
- Locations: Production will occur both in Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
- Benefits:
- Increased Ammunition Supply: Addresses the critical need for munitions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
- Cost Reduction: Shared production efforts aim to lower the cost of the finished products.
Types of Ammunition
The collaboration will focus on producing:
- Standard 155mm HE M107 High-Explosive Shells.
- Extended-Range Ammunition:
- 155mm HE ER-BB VMK/MKM: With a range of 43 km using a Base Bleed unit.
- 155mm HE ER-BT VMK/MKM: With a range of 37 km using a Boat Tail unit.
- Future Plans: Production of other artillery rounds and NATO-caliber tank ammunition is also anticipated.
Strategic Significance
- Enhanced Defense Capabilities: The increased production will support Ukraine's defense efforts amid ongoing conflicts.
- Technological Transfer: Enables Ukraine to advance its military manufacturing capabilities.
- Economic Impact: Promotes growth in the defense sectors of both countries.
Statements from Leadership
Vladyslav Belbas, head of Ukrainian Armored Vehicles, stated:
"We plan to produce and supply about 100,000 ammunition next year, and more than 300,000 in 2026. The process of preparing the equipment has already begun."
He highlighted that this cooperation allows both companies to boost ammunition production and reduce costs.
Background and Future Plans
- In April 2024, Michal Strnad, general director of CSG, mentioned the possibility of joint production with a Ukrainian company, focusing on artillery ammunition.
- CSG also intends to manufacture other defense products in Ukraine, such as spare parts for armored vehicles and armored steel components.
- CSG Overview:
- A major European defense conglomerate.
- Incorporates facilities from several European plants, including MSM, ZVS, VOP Slovakia, and FM Granada Spain.
- One of the largest artillery ammunition producers in the European Union.
- Plans to invest millions of euros in establishing joint defense enterprises in Ukraine.
Conclusion
The partnership between Ukrainian Armored Vehicles and the Czechoslovak Group represents a significant step in enhancing Ukraine's defense manufacturing capabilities. By combining resources and expertise, the collaboration aims to meet the critical ammunition needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and contribute to regional security.
