For long-term support of Ukraine: Finland to boost ammo production
Finland will significantly increase ammunition production to support Ukraine (Photo: facebook.com/ukroboronprom)
The Minister of Defense of Finland, Antti Häkkänen, announced today's decision of the Committee of Ministers of Economic Policy to significantly increase the country's ammunition production capacities, according to the press service of the Finnish Ministry of Defense.
The department has noted that this will allow increasing production capacities by more than 2 times compared to the current level. The Defense Administration commits to investing approximately 24 million euros in expanding production.
Additionally, the Finnish Ministry of Defense undertakes long-term orders with domestic industries, totaling around 120 million euros, enabling further investments.
How does Helsinki explain the decision?
Hakkänen has stated, "The decision will significantly increase the production capacity of heavy ammunition in Finland, allowing long-term support for Ukraine until the 2030s."
He has emphasized the significant European impact of this decision and highlighted its role in bolstering Finland's defense capabilities.
Production of ammunition in Finland
The Ministry of Defense of Finland has noted that in the past, the defense administration deliberately increased the production of heavy ammunition. Compared to the period before Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine, the production of ammunition in Finland has already increased multiple times.
Hakkänen has reported that the country's defense administration has also placed long-term orders for heavy ammunition in domestic industries. Investments are also expanding production capacities in the long run.
Implementation of the decision
According to a recent decision, the production of internal charges, powder production, and loading capacity will be increased and diversified. This allows the simultaneous manufacturing of several different products, supporting military supply security.
Finland expects that the investments will be completed by 2026 and 2027, enabling a long-term increase in production.
Finnish production capacities
The country's Ministry of Defense has emphasized that Finland's production capacities are significant on a European scale.
"Finland has the largest artillery in Western Europe. In the future, Finland will become one of the largest producers of heavy ammunition in Europe. With this decision, we aim to demonstrate long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine and strengthening the defense industry," highlighted Hakkänen.
Ammunition for Ukraine
In early May, the EU Council adopted a decision to assist Ukraine in joint procurement of ammunition and missiles. It is planned to transfer 1 million projectiles to Ukraine.
The European Defense Agency (EDA) on September 5 signed the first contracts for joint purchase of artillery shells for Ukraine. EU members will buy universal projectiles for the most common artillery howitzers: the French Caesar, Polish Krab, German Panzerhaubitze 2000, and Slovak Zuzana.
Just recently, the Ministry of Defense of Finland revealed plans to start producing artillery ammunition for Ukraine.
