Ukraine Accelerates Weapons Production “We Produce More Howitzers Than All of Europe Combined”

Описание: Ukraine’s pivot from an under-resourced arms industry to a leading producer of self-propelled howitzers marks a dramatic shift in the country’s ability to supply its frontline. Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the 2S22 Bohdana cannon, produced by a Kramatorsk-based company, existed only as a near-prototype—yet quickly proved pivotal in retaking Snake Island. Today, Ukrainian officials say 20 Bohdana units were being made monthly last autumn, rising to 40 per month in early 2025. By comparison, France and Germany each manage fewer than 10 new guns monthly.

The “Danish model,” wherein Copenhagen directly funds Ukrainian weapons manufacturing, has significantly fueled this expansion. Similar backers, including Norway, Iceland, and the EU, also channel resources into Ukrainian-developed systems, reducing reliance on foreign factories. Meanwhile, Ukraine has ramped up shell production for its 155mm-caliber artillery, a NATO standard. Officials see this as a vital step toward defense independence—and a potential export opportunity once the war ends. Still, Ukrainian arms companies remain partly reliant on partner states for key components like electronics and explosives. Even so, modern drones, howitzers, APCs, and cruise missiles have become a hallmark of Ukraine’s defense sector, now capable of covering one-third of the army’s needs. Government data suggests the industry will balloon to $35 billion by 2025, an immense leap from the near-zero private defense market in years prior. #shorts