Ukraine to launch domestic 105mm artillery shell production in 2026

Defense Express reported the information.

Ukraine's state-owned defense company Ukrainian Armored Vehicles, part of the NAUDI group, announced plans to begin manufacturing 105mm M1 artillery shells in 2026, with production capacity reaching up to 100,000 rounds annually. CEO Vladyslav Belbas revealed the initiative during an interview with NV and The Economist's The World Ahead 2026 project, emphasizing that achieving maximum output depends on securing government orders and advance payments.

The company is also planning significant production of 155mm ammunition, targeting approximately 240,000 M107 shells and 60,000 extended-range ERFB-BT rounds. Ukrainian Armored Vehicles operates under license from Czechoslovak Group, which provides complete technical documentation, quality control standards, and manufacturing solutions to streamline production setup in Ukraine.

While 105mm artillery systems represent a smaller portion of Ukraine's arsenal compared to 155mm weapons, they fill an important tactical niche due to their portability and ease of concealment. The M1 shell has a maximum range of 11.5 kilometers and carries approximately 2.18 kilograms of high explosives in an 18.15-kilogram projectile.

The projected production volumes would surpass the manufacturing capacity of many European nations. However, the primary challenge remains Ukraine's limited defense budget. Although international partners have provided funding for some domestic procurement, including the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer program, Ukrainian officials stress that substantially more financial support is needed to fully realize the country's defense production potential.