If you asked Ukrainian military leaders what is one piece of security aid that is indispensable to their efforts, you would likely hear “artillery rounds.” 

As we have discussed here on the National Interest, the war in Ukraine is all about artillery.

Both sides are using long-range fires profusely. Military analysts estimate that approximately 80 percent of all the casualties in the fighting have been caused by artillery fire.

In numbers, that translates to about 400,000 killed and wounded from artillery shells (the Russian forces have taken more than 320,000 losses, and the Ukrainians about 200,000). 

Artillery is vital in supporting offensive operations but is also the cornerstone of a good defense. The intensity and duration of the conflict in Ukraine caught the U.S. and NATO defense industries off guard. With dwindling stockpiles, there is a push for more artillery rounds across the transatlantic alliance to continue supporting Ukraine. 

Billions for Artillery Rounds in Ukraine War 

This week, NATO announced a $1.2 billion contract for artillery rounds. 

“Russia’s war in Ukraine has become a battle for ammunition. So it is important allies refill their own stocks as we continue to support Ukraine.” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a news conference in Brussels.

The war in Ukraine has challenged NATO’s defense industry and production capabilities. Over the past months, the members of the transatlantic alliance have gone on a shopping spree, signing contracts worth over $10 billion to replenish their weapon system and ammunition stocks. Specifically, recent contracts include a $5.5 billion agreement for 1,000 MIM-104 Patriot air defense missiles and $4 billion for 155mm artillery rounds, anti-tank missiles, and tank munition. 

“This demonstrates that NATO’s tried and tested structures for joint procurement are delivering,” said the Secretary General. “Russia’s war in Ukraine has become a battle for ammunition, so it is important that Allies refill their own stocks, as we continue to support Ukraine,” the NATO chief added. 

Around this time last year, the European Union came to an agreement to send 1 million artillery rounds to Ukraine. Fast forward to December, and Kyiv had received only 300,000 shells. During intense offensive operations, the Ukrainian military can go through that number of rounds in just a few weeks. 

The United Kingdom has provided approximately 300,000 artillery rounds of all calibers to Ukraine. Moreover, starting in June, the British Ministry of Defense has an order with BAE Systems for an eight-fold increase in the production of 155mm rounds. 

“MOD contract is for significant initial quantities of 155mm shells which will reinstate and build sovereign capability and stockpiles,” James Cartlidge, a Minister of State for Defense, recently revealed. 

On the other side of the pond, the U.S. has sent the Ukrainian military more than 2 million 155mm rounds, including high-precision shells, cluster munitions, and special mine rounds. In addition, the Pentagon has provided Kyiv with hundreds of artillery pieces, including M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), M109 Paladin self-propelled 155mm howitzers, and M777 towed 155mm howitzers. 

About the Author  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. Email the author: [email protected].