Bloomberg revealed that the United States is currently in talks with Türkiye to acquire additional explosives, to increase the production of artillery munitions in support of Ukraine, according to a Bloomberg report.
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The United States is currently in talks with Türkiye to acquire additional explosives, to increase the production of artillery munitions in support of Ukraine. (Picture source: US DoD)
Sources familiar with the situation revealed to Bloomberg that the acquisition of Turkish explosives, including trinitrotoluene (TNT) and nitroguanidine (used as a propellant), is crucial for the manufacturing of NATO standard 155mm caliber munitions. This collaboration could potentially triple production capacity.
In a late February update, the Pentagon announced a contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to establish three production lines for the metal parts of 155 mm projectiles in Texas, incorporating Turkish subcontractors. The facility located in Mesquite, Texas, is expected to begin operations in June.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the Turkish defense company Repkon is projected to manufacture 30% of all 155 mm artillery shells produced in the United States by 2025. Additionally, it was revealed that the United States Department of Defense acquired 116,000 combat-ready artillery munitions from Turkish defense Arca, scheduled to be delivered within the year, with additional orders expected for the following year.
Commenting on the collaboration with the Turkish industry and the investment in Texas, the Pentagon emphasized the importance of working with allies to develop a global defense industrial base.
Additional reports from Western officials to Bloomberg suggest that American and European ammunition production is set to increase significantly in the coming years as major defense contractors and smaller suppliers ramp up.
In Europe, a program called ASAP was launched to speed up the production of ammunition and missiles, with a budget of 500 million euros. This plan aims to support Ukraine and strengthen European security. It introduces a temporary regulatory framework to address the munitions supply crisis, in response to reduced defense investments and other challenges faced since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, informed Republican senators on March 14 that the House intended to draft a bill to assist Ukraine, substantially different from the version already approved by the Senate. The proposed bill is expected to offer support in the form of loans or lend-lease agreements. Johnson also mentioned the possibility of separating aid packages for Ukraine and Israel, requiring adequate support in both the House and Senate.
As can be seen, NATO members collaborate among themselves to develop a real defense industry. The United States and Türkiye are no exception to the rule, and their collaboration could even go further in the months or years to come.
