Russia's key explosive plant eyes major expansion amid delays
The Biysk Oleum Plant in Siberia is expanding to boost its production of RDX explosive material. This investment, valued at 15.5 billion rubles, is projected to be completed by 2025, though this timeline seems unrealistic. The plant plays a critical role in the Russian defense industry.
Located approximately 1,864 miles from Moscow, the Biysk Oleum Plant (BOZ) is expanding to increase its output of RDX explosive material, as reported by "The Moscow Times."
According to Reuters, the 15.5 billion rubles investment is expected to be completed by the end of 2025; however, sources close to the project anticipate delays. The plant is owned by Ya.M. Sverdlov, under EU sanctions as the sole Russian producer of RDX and HMX.
RDX, a crucial component in artillery shells, is valued for its stability and effectiveness. The new production line aims to produce 6,614 tons of RDX annually for roughly 1.28 million 152 mm caliber artillery shells.
Production could commence within 6-10 weeks after construction concludes. 2024 Russia produced approximately 2 million artillery shells and imported another 2.7 million from North Korea.
In August 2023, Denis Manturov, the then Minister of Industry and Trade, visited the plant and confirmed the investment's value. Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, discussed construction delays with the plant's director. BOZ is out of the range of Ukrainian drones, which increasingly target the Russian defense sector.
