US Increases Production of 155mm Artillery Shells for Ukraine.

A munitions plant in Pennsylvania has significantly ramped up its production of 155mm artillery shells destined for Ukraine, increasing its output capacity by 50% as part of ongoing military aid efforts. This initiative comes amidst heightened U.S. support for Ukraine in response to Russia's large-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.
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155mm Projectile Production at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant(Picture source: US DoD)

Richard Hansen, a representative of the Army command at the Scranton Ammunition Plant, stated that the current focus is on producing 155mm artillery shells, a critical munition for Ukrainian forces. "We are working very hard to meet the Pentagon's goal," he said.

The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant sends the shell casings to Iowa, where they are filled with explosive material and equipped with fuses, completing the manufacturing process. This facility, along with two others in nearby Wilkes-Barre, has recently increased its monthly production from 24,000 to 36,000 shells.

Additionally, the plant's representative informed the Associated Press that three new production lines are being developed. These new capabilities will allow the Scranton facility to produce even more critical munitions, addressing the growing needs of the Ukrainian military.

Notably, the plant has been operated by General Dynamics under a contract with the U.S. government since 2006. According to information provided by the U.S. government, over three million 155mm shells have been sent to Ukraine since the invasion began.

In early August, the White House announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, valued at $125 million, which includes 155mm shells among other items. On August 9, another military aid package was sent to Ukraine as part of this ongoing support effort.

Ukraine continues to face pressing needs for 155mm artillery shells, essential for sustaining its military operations against Russian aggression. According to recent reports, Ukrainian forces are consuming between 150,000 and 200,000 155mm shells each month, a highly demanding rate due to the intensity of the fighting, particularly on the most active fronts.

This constant demand underscores the critical importance of maintaining and increasing the supply of these munitions to prevent stock depletion, which could compromise Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities on the battlefield.

Ukraine strategically uses 155mm munitions in artillery operations aimed at weakening Russian positions, destroying key military infrastructure, and disrupting enemy supply lines. These shells are fired from heavy artillery, such as the M777, CAESAR, or PzH 2000, allowing Ukrainian forces to engage targets at long range with high precision.

The use of 155mm artillery is central to Ukraine's war of attrition, neutralizing enemy forces before any ground advance. It is also crucial for defending Ukrainian positions, creating denial zones for Russian troops and slowing their progress. In summary, this artillery is a key element of Ukraine's military strategy, serving to weaken the enemy while consolidating territorial gains.