NATO Declares Urgent Progress in Ammunition Production Against Russia

UPDATE: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced today that the alliance is “turning the tide” against Russia’s significant ammunition advantage. Speaking at a defense industry forum in Bucharest, Romania, Rutte stated that NATO is now producing more ammunition “than we have done in decades,” indicating a crucial shift in the balance of power.

This declaration comes as NATO has faced years of criticism for lagging behind Russia in ammunition production. Rutte emphasized, “Until recently, Russia was producing more ammunition than all NATO allies put together. But not anymore.” This statement marks a rare moment of optimism for NATO, which has been under pressure to enhance its military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Just five months ago, NATO officials revealed that Russia was manufacturing four times as much ammunition as the alliance, despite NATO’s economy being 25 times larger than Russia’s. The latest remarks suggest that NATO might be closing that gap, although Rutte did not clarify if parity has been reached or is imminent.

In recent years, NATO has ramped up efforts to bolster its ammunition stocks, particularly 155mm artillery shells being supplied to Ukraine. Rutte noted that dozens of new production lines are being opened and existing ones expanded across member nations. Countries like Poland, Germany, and the UK have heavily invested in local industries to quickly scale up production, with over a dozen factories launched across Europe in the last two years.

However, the road to full-scale production remains challenging. Current estimates suggest that NATO countries may only meet the increased demand for ammunition by 2026. The US military had aimed to produce 100,000 shells per month by October but has now postponed that target to mid-2026.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian sources report that Russia produced approximately 3.8 million artillery shells in 2024 alone, equating to about 310,000 shells each month. This staggering output highlights the urgency of NATO’s efforts to increase its own production capabilities.

NATO’s ammunition production challenges are not limited to simply building factories. Key components, such as propellant, are in short supply. The production of 155mm shells relies on a compound called nitrocellulose, which has become a significant bottleneck in the manufacturing process.

Furthermore, explosive materials like TNT and RDX are critical for shell production. Several countries have initiated the construction of TNT plants to reduce Western reliance on the Asian market for these vital resources. As NATO strives to enhance its artillery capabilities, the urgency of these developments cannot be overstated.

As tensions continue, NATO’s advancements in ammunition production will be closely monitored. The alliance’s ability to sustain and enhance its military readiness is crucial not only for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but also for maintaining regional stability in the face of Russian aggression.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation as NATO and its allies work to strengthen their defense capabilities.