Key challenges in rapidly supplying Ukraine with 122-mm and 155-mm 'Czech' shells

Defense Express reported the information.

In February, Czech President Petr Pavel announced the discovery of hundreds of thousands of 122-mm and 155-mm ammunition for Ukraine, which could be delivered within weeks if funding was secured. The origin of the ammunition was not disclosed, possibly due to conditions set by suppliers.

Despite initial optimism, the first batch of shells is now expected to arrive this month. First Deputy Defense Minister František Schulz stated, “The Czech Republic's initiative to finance and urgently procure artillery ammunition for Ukraine is steadily progressing - the first 180,000 rounds have been contracted and should arrive by June.”

Over 16 EU and NATO countries have joined the initiative, but coordination and purchasing from non-European manufacturers are challenging due to urgent needs and limited European production capacity. 

Thus, allies are compelled to buy ammunition from "third-party" manufacturers outside the European defense industry due to time constraints. The European defense industry cannot currently produce enough ammunition to meet Ukraine's needs and replenish European armies' stocks. "This requires negotiating with partner countries for sufficient funding and navigating the regulatory framework in third countries," Schultz says.

Negotiations with third-party manufacturers for funding and regulatory compliance are complex and time-consuming, especially to meet the specific security requirements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

President Pavel also mentioned delays due to Russian awareness of the plan, as disclosing details to gain ally support made it vulnerable to Russian interference.