Russia outproducing and outspending West in artillery shell production
The cost of artillery shell production borne by Russia is about one-fourth of the costs borne by Ukraine's Western allies, according to data compiled by consulting firm Bain & Company. Russia produces shells three times faster than the West, notes Sky News.
3:23 PM EDT, May 26, 2024
Ukraine's Western allies lag behind Russia in terms of production and delivery capabilities of artillery shells, which are the main force in the war in Ukraine. Sky News refers to the recent measures as a "fire battle" due to the number of shells used.
Russia rushing production
According to data compiled by consulting firm Bain & Company, Russia continues to produce shells three times faster than the West, despite the combined economic force of Western countries greatly exceeding that of the Kremlin.
"Russian factories will produce or regenerate approximately 4.5 million artillery shells this year compared to a total production of about 1.3 million rounds in European countries and the USA," according to the Bain & Company report.
Significantly lower costs
This, however, is not the only problem faced by Ukraine's allies. Western production is more expensive. According to calculations by the consulting firm, the cost of producing artillery shells borne by Russia is about one-fourth of the costs borne by Western countries.
"The average cost of producing a 155 mm shell – the type of ammunition produced by NATO countries – is on average about $4,000 per piece. In comparison, the production cost in Russia is about $1,000 per 152 mm shell used by the Russian armed forces," notes Sky News.
