Russia produces artillery shells faster and cheaper than NATO

According to Sky News on May 26, citing research by consulting firm Bain & Company, Russia can produce artillery shells much faster and cheaper than Western countries and the United States.

Ukrainian soldiers carry a 152 mm artillery shell at the front line in Kharkiv (Ukraine) on May 21, 2024.

The study found that Russian factories are expected to produce around 4.5 million artillery shells in 2024, far exceeding the combined production of around 1.3 million shells in European countries and the US. The average production cost of each 155mm artillery shell - the type produced by NATO countries - is around $4,000 per shell. This is four times the cost of producing Russian 152mm artillery shells - around $1,000 per shell.

Recently, during a meeting with leaders of Russian defense industry enterprises on April 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that domestic ammunition production has increased 14 times, drone production has increased 4 times, and the assembly of tanks and armored vehicles has also increased 3.5 times since the start of the military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.

The study highlights that NATO’s artillery production lags behind Russia’s, reflecting the major challenge facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which rely heavily on ammunition supplies from the US and the West. Ukrainian soldiers say the ratio of frontline shells fired is about 1:5 compared to Russian forces, meaning that for every shell fired from Kyiv, Moscow responds with five.

The artillery is just one of many Ukrainian units facing ammunition shortages. Ukrainian recruits are only trained in simulated firing of N-LAW anti-tank missiles and are not allowed to use real weapons during training, according to Sky News. Many experts assess the importance of weapons and ammunition production, which will play a key role in determining victory on the front lines.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nga-san-xuat-dan-phao-nhanh-va-re-hon-nato-185240527181557664.htm