Image source: topwar.ru
The United States intends to multiply the production of ammunition, having studied the experience of the military confrontation in Ukraine, the existing stocks of shells will not be enough to participate in a high-intensity conflict. However, American ammunition manufacturers have reasons why it will be very difficult to increase the production of products necessary for the military.
The American company Lockheed Martin, which produces shells for the HIMARS and M270 MLRS, said that it faced difficulties in trying to double the number of GMLRS missiles produced. To date, the company's enterprises produce 10 thousand missiles a year and this is the maximum. Currently, attempts are being made to increase the output to 14 thousand, starting next year. And the Pentagon requires, at least, the delivery of 20 thousand shells and as soon as possible. But if the company can reach this level, it will be in a few years.
The main reasons for the inability to double the production of missiles for MLRS in Lockheed Martin called the lack of the necessary machines, test equipment, and most importantly - specialists willing to work in production. The thing is that all the company's enterprises are located at very large distances from settlements and this creates difficulties for the delivery of workers.
- said Becky Withrow, Lockheed Martin's director of business development for tactical missiles.
Thus, an increase in the production of GMLRS missiles can be expected no earlier than in two or three years, despite the fact that the arsenals of the US army are practically empty. Relying on manufacturers, the Pentagon sent a large amount of ammunition for MLRS to Ukraine, effectively remaining without the necessary minimum. By the way, Kiev also has problems with the availability of ammunition for American MLRS, the number of attacks on the same HIMARS has decreased, and significantly.
