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Czech Republic Extends Artillery Shell Deliveries to Ukraine Through 2025.
The Czech Republic, in partnership with Denmark and the Netherlands, has announced an extension of its initiative to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine through the end of 2025. This decision, confirmed by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský during an interview with European Pravda, underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine's armed forces. The initiative leverages identified global stockpiles of artillery shells already in production, ensuring continued supplies to meet Ukraine's military needs in the ongoing conflict.
A Czech T-72EA tank with updated tactical markings was spotted during Ukrainian military exercises (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
Jan Lipavský highlighted that the cooperation between the three nations has established a solid mechanism for maintaining steady ammunition supplies. For 2025, significant quantities of munitions have already been sourced globally and will be secured to reinforce Ukraine's capabilities. This initiative complements international efforts to address Ukraine's urgent military requirements, particularly in artillery, which plays a pivotal role in the conflict. Lipavský further affirmed that all delivery commitments for 2024 will be fulfilled, although specific figures for completed and planned shipments were not disclosed. This announcement also addresses concerns raised by Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, who in September 2024 flagged delays in Western arms deliveries that had impeded the full equipping of 14 planned brigades.
Since the conflict began, the Czech Republic has been a significant contributor to Ukraine's defense efforts. By late May 2024, the total value of Czech military assistance had reached 6.75 billion Czech koruna (approximately $288 million). The deliveries have included a range of essential equipment: 62 T-72 tanks, known for their durability; 131 infantry fighting vehicles, including BVP-1 models (the Czechoslovak version of the Soviet BMP-1) and the upgraded BVP-2 variant, which offers enhanced mobility and firepower. These vehicles, designed for troop transport and fire support, have proven vital for both offensive and defensive operations.
The Czech Republic has also supplied heavy artillery and support systems, such as 13 ShKH vz. 77 DANA self-propelled howitzers with a caliber of 152 mm for precise indirect fire, and 12 RM-70 multiple rocket launcher systems, which deliver high-intensity artillery strikes. Additional shipments have included 94,860 artillery shells, crucial for sustaining operations, and Mil Mi-24V and Mi-35 attack helicopters, versatile assets capable of close air support and troop transport. These contributions have bolstered Ukraine’s operational effectiveness on the battlefield.
Beyond immediate assistance, the Czech Republic has made longer-term commitments to strengthen Ukraine’s self-reliance. In July 2024, the first batch of artillery shells was delivered as part of a program aiming to supply up to half a million shells that year. Additionally, the Czech ammunition manufacturer Sellier & Bellot partnered with Ukraine to establish a local munitions production facility, aimed at increasing domestic output and reinforcing Ukraine’s long-term defense infrastructure.
The Czech Republic has also broadened its support by joining the international drone coalition for Ukraine in July 2024, during the NATO summit. This coalition, led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, seeks to ensure Ukraine’s dominance in drone technology through stable supplies and expanded drone manufacturing capabilities in allied nations. This initiative reflects the strategic importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
The extension of artillery deliveries through 2025 reflects the Czech Republic’s coordinated effort with Denmark and the Netherlands to address Ukraine’s pressing military needs. Despite logistical challenges and delays, this initiative guarantees a reliable flow of essential military supplies, enabling Ukraine to sustain its strategic momentum. At this critical juncture, the commitment reinforces international solidarity and strengthens Ukraine’s defensive capacity in the ongoing conflict.