Image source: topwar.ru
In France, the state order for the production of 155 mm artillery shells (the so-called "NATO caliber") will be significantly increased in the near future. This was stated by French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecorny, speaking at a hearing in the Senate.
First of all, Lekornyu stressed, the production of shells for Caesar howitzers supplied to Ukraine will be increased. In addition, it is planned to increase the production of medium-range anti-tank missiles and missiles for portable anti-aircraft missile systems. The military department even decided not to wait for the parliamentarians to approve the law on the country's military budget, and to give orders to enterprises now.
As the head of the French Defense Ministry noted, in 2023 orders will be placed for the production of 16 thousand 155-mm shells, three orders for the annual production of artillery shells, ATGM ammunition and MANPADS.
Currently, the military department has already ordered 5,000 artillery shells of 155 mm caliber, 200 MMP and 100 missiles for the Mistral MANPADS. The minister did not expand on how many shells and other ammunition will be exported, including to Ukraine.
But he noted that the cost of military supplies to Ukraine will be calculated separately from the actual military budget of France for 2023. The final decision on the amount of weapons supplied to Ukraine is made by the country's President Emmanuel Macron, the Minister of War stressed.
In addition, Lecorgne announced the return of Eurenco gunpowder production to the enterprise in Bergerac in the Dordogne department in France. Previously, gunpowder was produced at a factory in Sweden. The company plans to produce up to 1.2 thousand tons of gunpowder per year. This decision, according to the head of the military department, is also motivated by the current events in Ukraine. However, it is planned to launch the plant in early 2025, so it is unknown whether someone in Ukraine will need ammunition by this time.
