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Northrop Grumman to Co-Produce Medium-Caliber Ammunition in Ukraine.
At the international defense and security exhibition Eurosatory 2024, Dave Bartell, Director of International Business at Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, announced a major initiative for the co-production of medium-caliber ammunition in Ukraine, fully financed by Ukrainian funds.
Northrop Grumman Medium-Caliber Ammunition (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)
According to Bartell, this cooperation marks the first agreement of its kind between an American defense company and Ukraine. Northrop Grumman (NG) defines medium-caliber ammunition as those of 30 mm, 40 mm, and 50 mm. This collaboration may soon extend to the production of tank ammunition and 155 mm artillery shells, thus underscoring NG's commitment to strengthening Ukrainian military capabilities.
Additionally, Bartell revealed NG's interest in obtaining contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense for the production of 155 mm ammunition, considering the production of a unique design rather than following the current designs of the U.S. Army such as the M795 or M1128 shells. He hinted at a new model of 155 mm ammunition equipped with an M1156 Precision Guidance Kit, which NG already produces to enhance the effectiveness of traditional unguided shells.
This initiative represents not only a significant advancement for the security of Ukraine but also strengthens Northrop Grumman's position in the European defense market, while supporting the strategic objectives of the United States in the region. With this co-production project, NG and Ukraine lay the groundwork for a long and fruitful collaboration, potentially leading to new opportunities in the defense sector and beyond.
The recent announcement of the co-production agreement between Northrop Grumman and Ukraine is part of a broader U.S. effort to bolster the Ukrainian defense industry in the face of the Russian invasion. This initiative falls under the new Ukraine Defense Enterprise program launched by the U.S. State Department, which plans to invest $2 billion in Ukraine’s defense industrial base. The program aims to encourage cooperation between American and Ukrainian companies for the production of defense equipment, relying on funding from foreign military aid included in the $60.8 billion Ukraine supplemental funding bill approved in April.
During the Eurosatory event in Paris, a significant dialogue took place between Dave Bartell from Northrop Grumman and Stanley Brown, acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the State Department. Brown challenged the industry attendees by asking what would incentivize their companies to partner with Ukraine on defense co-production. This interaction highlights the U.S. commitment to adopting innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to meet Ukraine's needs, despite often encountering bureaucratic obstacles.
At the same time, other European companies like Rheinmetall and KNDS have also made progress in co-production projects in Ukraine, showing a growing trend in supporting the Ukrainian defense industry through international collaborations. These strategic moves are crucial as Ukraine continues to face security threats from Russia, and they mark a transition towards greater integration of Ukraine into the global and European defense ecosystems. These initiatives, in addition to strengthening Ukraine's defense, aim to create a more autonomous and resilient industrial base in the country.
