US arms giant Northrop Grumman to produce ammunition in Ukraine

Northrop Grumman plans to produce medium caliber ammunition in Ukraine, a company official announced, Breaking Defense reports on June 19. 

While several European defense companies have committed to large-scale manufacturing in Ukraine, Northrop's co-production deal is the first publicly confirmed agreement between a US defense company and the Ukrainian government for a manufacturing project in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian outlet Defense Express reports that this category includes ammunition for automatic guns. According to Northrop Grumman's product list, it includes 20x102 mm, 30x113 mm, 30x173 mm, 40x180 mm, and 50x228 mm rounds. These sizes are designed for automatic cannon such as the M61 Vulcan and Bushmaster Chain Gun models like the M230, Mk44, and XM913.

These calibers are standard for many combat vehicles and anti-aircraft drone systems. It's important to note that these shells can be produced in various versions, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, and programmable explosive types.

Northrop Grumman also noted plans to expand from producing medium-caliber ammunition to manufacturing tank and 155-mm artillery ammunition. Additionally, the Ukrainian government is currently investing $2 billion in the defense industry, which was a key factor for Northrop Grumman.

At this time, Northrop Grumman has declined to provide any additional comments or clarifications, so the start date for production and the specific types of ammunition remain unknown.

It's worth mentioning that Northrop Grumman is a major defense company, ranking third in the world in defense revenue at around $32.5 billion a year, surpassed only by RTX and Lockheed Martin.

• Global aerospace and defense company General Dynamics has finally wrapped up construction and launched a plant for the production of 155-mm shells in Texas, United States. The plant will focus on meeting the needs of Ukraine.