Ukraine to Receive 120,000 152 mm Artillery Shells From UK-led International Fund.

The International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), led by the United Kingdom and including several of Kyiv's allies, signed an agreement on July 11, 2024, for the purchase of artillery ammunition worth £300 million (over $387 million). This substantial acquisition will include up to 120,000 152 mm artillery shells, essential for Ukraine's urgent military needs.
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152-mm projectiles for the Msta-B howitzer of the military of Ukraine (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the urgency of the situation by stating that Ukraine desperately needs more ammunition and weapons. "Together with the United Kingdom and other IFU member states, we will provide a large quantity of artillery ammunition as quickly as possible. This is one of many significant contributions to the defense of Ukraine," he added.

Norway has contributed a total of 1.8 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $168 million) to the IFU since 2022. The IFU, an additional funding mechanism to support Ukraine, is led by the UK Ministry of Defense and also includes Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Lithuania. These nine countries have contributed more than 1 billion euros to the IFU.

In June, the first delivery of ammunition was made to Ukraine as part of a Czech-led initiative to purchase 800,000 shells for Ukraine. This continuous support is part of international efforts to increase Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of current military challenges.

In addition to the commitment with the IFU, Norway has also taken steps to increase national ammunition production through a recent government announcement. Earlier this week, a new deal was concluded, allowing the company Nammo to increase its production of modern artillery munitions tenfold and to double the production of other types of artillery ammunition and rocket engines.

These initiatives illustrate an increased effort by Norway and its international partners to meet the urgent defense needs of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and international support in these times of conflict.