As the news of yet another American tourist being arrested in Turks and Caicos for possession of ammo floods the media, it’s hard not to shake my head at the sheer stupidity of these individuals. I mean, how difficult is it to check your luggage for stray ammunition before heading to another country? The fact that this is the fifth case in a single week is both baffling and concerning.
The fact that the first person to be caught with loose ammo in their luggage garnered attention and raised money is amusing, but it’s clear that subsequent offenders won’t receive the same sympathy or support.… Continue reading
It’s a rare moment when we hear that there are no reports of artillery shortages in a full-scale war, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The ability to supply just enough ammunition to avoid shortages is a significant achievement, but it leaves one wondering why Ukraine hasn’t been able to maintain a constant surplus. As a result, it’s crucial for NATO to continue ramping up production of artillery munitions to ensure that Ukraine is well-equipped to defend itself effectively.
The critical shortage of artillery shells that Ukraine’s Armed Forces experienced over the winter months was largely due to delays in U.S.… Continue reading
The U.S. put a hold on an ammunition shipment to Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in the region. The denial from both governments does little to clarify the situation, leaving many speculating about the reasons behind this decision. While Israel has its own arms industry and capabilities, the pressing need for ammunition in Ukraine seems to overshadow the necessity of sending supplies to Israel.
The escalating situation in Ukraine, with Russians advancing and taking territory, paints a dire picture of the urgency for ammunition and support in that region. Compared to the threats faced by Ukraine, Israel’s current operations and defense strategies may be better suited to handle the situation on their own, given their advanced military capabilities.… Continue reading
Germany’s decision to rush 10,000 artillery rounds to Ukraine in the coming days is a significant step in the right direction. While some may criticize this number as being inadequate, it is essential to understand the context behind Germany’s military capabilities and production capabilities. After World War II, German military planning never envisioned engaging in long-term conflicts or wars abroad. The expectation was that any future conflict would be short-lived, hence the lack of substantial stockpiles of ammunition.
With the annexation of Crimea by Russia, it should have been apparent that Putin’s ambitions would not stop there. However, German military procurement has historically been plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies.… Continue reading
The Czech Republic has identified a way to procure 3.5 million rounds of ammunition for Ukraine but lacks the necessary funding to make it happen, according to the country’s president, Petr Pavel. This revelation brings to light the urgency of the situation in Ukraine, where the need for ammunition is critical in the ongoing conflict. The availability of half a million 155mm caliber rounds and 3 million 122mm caliber rounds presents a significant opportunity to boost the Ukrainian forces’ capabilities, yet the lack of funding stands as a major obstacle in the path towards supporting their defense.
The significance of this potential ammunition supply cannot be understated, especially considering the dire need for replenishment in Ukraine.… Continue reading
Britain increases artillery shell production ‘eight-fold’
As tensions continue to rise in Eastern Europe, it comes as no surprise that Britain has decided to increase its artillery shell production. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) placed an order with BAE Systems to provide an eight-fold increase in production capability of 155mm shells. However, it’s important to note that this increase has not yet been implemented, as the BAE explosives filling facility won’t be online until 2026.
While some may have expected this increase in production to have already taken place, it’s crucial to understand the complexities involved in increasing production capacity. Building new production lines and ensuring demand for years to come requires time and investment.… Continue reading
Ukraine is running out of ammunition for its US-supplied Howitzers as it tries to defend against massive Russian attacks. This headline alone is enough to evoke deep concern and a sense of frustration towards the international community. As I reflect on this issue, it becomes clear that Ukraine’s struggle to sustain its defense efforts is not only a matter of resource scarcity but also a reflection of broader geopolitical dynamics.
The comments I’ve gathered from various sources highlight several key points. One recurring sentiment is the hope that Ukraine can hold on until aid arrives. It is disheartening to see a country fighting against a powerful adversary being drip-fed support.… Continue reading