photo"/>Ammunition. NATO. Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo: AP/Scanpix
NATO needs to increase ammunition production because Ukraine is using significantly more ammunition than the alliance can produce with current capabilities and is depleting stockpiles, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday.
“The war in Ukraine is consuming huge amounts of ammunition and draining allies’ stockpiles,” Stoltenberg told reporters. “Ukraine’s current rate of munitions consumption is many times higher than our current rate of production. This puts a strain on our defense industries.”
Stoltenberg acknowledged that NATO faces a problem as the current waiting time for large-caliber ammunition has increased from 12 to 28 months.
However, he expressed confidence that with the steps taken so far, the NATO members are “on the path that will allow us to continue supporting Ukraine, as well as to replenish our stocks.”
Stoltenberg also said that Russia’s new offensive in Ukraine has already begun.
The head of NATO also said that the discussion between the allies continues about Ukraine’s demands for sending modern fighter jets.
He stated that the main emphasis is on the timely delivery of the necessary amount of weapons to the Ukrainian forces and on the allies fulfilling their commitments.
“It is clear that we are in a logistics race,” Stoltenberg said. “Ammunition, fuel and spare parts must reach Ukraine before Russia can seize the initiative on the battlefield. Speed will save lives.”
Author: LETA
