United to win: Greek arms manufacturer plans to produce ammunition for Ukraine

The Greek arms production company Hellenic Defense Systems is negotiating with international arms manufacturers to participate in the 155-mm ammunition production program to support Ukraine and replenish EU stocks.

Kathimerini reports, citing sources,  negotiations are happening secretly and are in an advanced stage. The outcomes should be known soon since the contract period ends on September 30.

It is also reported that a closed meeting took place on May 10 in Brussels involving representatives from major EU defense companies.

At the meeting, the EU's high representative for foreign and security policy, Josep Borrell, urged the attendees to communicate the proposal to national governments about quickly producing one million projectiles for Ukraine by next spring. He also emphasized the importance of establishing a European reserve of large-caliber ammunition.

At the same time, the publication notes that Hellenic Defense Systems cannot produce all ammunition in-house. The company has the technical capability to take over the last stage of the production chain, which includes the equipment, assembly, and packaging of ammunition.

Currently, efforts are ongoing to find partners for the initial phase, which involves producing the casing, propellant, and other essential materials for the ammunition.

Ammunition for Ukraine

Towards the end of winter, it was revealed that Ukrainian troops were grappling with a shortage of artillery shells. As a response, in early May, the EU Council endorsed a decision to provide Ukraine with assistance totaling 1 billion for collaborative ammunition and missile procurement. The intention is to supply Ukraine with one million shells.

In early June, the European Parliament approved a document to boost European ammunition and missile production. Subsequently, in July, the European plan to enhance ammunition and missile manufacturing was put into effect.