NATO Inks Vital Ammo Deal to Aid Ukraine

On Tuesday, NATO finalized a substantial $1.2 billion contract to manufacture approximately 220,000 artillery shells, a move aimed at replenishing the ammunition stocks of its member nations. This initiative is particularly significant as these countries have been supplying Ukraine with ammunition in its ongoing conflict against Russia’s invasion.

The 155-millimeter ammunition, which is in high demand, will be procured under this contract. This purchase will serve the dual purpose of refilling NATO allies’ arsenals and enabling further support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of this action, stating that it is crucial for defending NATO territories and continuing support for Ukraine. He stressed the need to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from achieving victory in Ukraine, highlighting the potential danger and tragedy that such an outcome would pose.

According to estimates from the European Union, Ukraine utilized between 4,000 to 7,000 artillery shells daily during the summer, while Russia fired over 20,000 shells per day into Ukrainian territory. Given Russia’s significantly larger arms industry compared to Ukraine, Kyiv requires external assistance to match Moscow’s level of firepower.

However, the delivery of these shells will not be immediate, as the NATO agency indicated that it could take anywhere from 24 to 36 months for the orders to be fulfilled.

The European Union’s initial plan to produce 1 million artillery rounds for Ukraine has encountered challenges, achieving only about one-third of the intended goal. Senior EU officials now anticipate that the European defense industry will be capable of producing roughly one million shells annually by the end of the current year.