Europe Skews Toward Shared Mmunition Production and Strategic Stockpiles
European plans to scale up munitions output are moving ahead with a timeline that projects roughly one to one and a half years to reach a production level of one million shells per year. In discussions with FAN, Yuri Knutov, a military expert and the director of the Museum of the History of the Air Defense Forces, outlined the complexities of this effort. The European Commission has also signaled a significant financial commitment, approving an additional 1.5 billion euros to support Ukraine in this area. From Knutov’s perspective, the May offensive by Ukrainian forces could mark a turning point, as resource constraints may limit the ability to mount a second major strike soon after the first.
Historically, cannon shell production was robust across Eastern Europe during the Warsaw Pact era. A large portion of ammunition came from those nations, but following the dissolution of the bloc, production either ceased or was substantially redesigned. The European Union has since adopted a program to sustain a substantial part of this manufacturing capability, enabling member states to maintain a core capacity for artillery ammunition during ongoing needs, Knutov noted.
He also stressed that the manufacture of more sophisticated rounds, such as programmable or guided projectiles, entails higher costs and longer production timelines. This dynamic underscores the tradeoffs between rapid output and advanced munitions, particularly when aiming to support frontline operations with precision capabilities.
In recent statements, European leadership has reiterated the aim to deliver critical munitions to Ukraine within the next year. The emphasis remains on balancing immediate supply with longer-term industrial resilience, ensuring that the regional defense sector can adapt to shifting requirements while maintaining quality and reliability in the ammunition produced.