Northrop Grumman, one of the world's largest arms companies, has announced plans to expand ammunition production to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. This move is part of a larger US strategy to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
At the Eurostatory defense exhibition, Dave Bartell, director of international business at Northrop Grumman Defense System, revealed that Ukraine would bear the costs of setting up the production line, supported by a US$2 billion aid program. This initiative marks the first American ammunition production in Ukraine.
Stanley Brown, an official at the US State Department, confirmed that the US government is keen on producing military equipment directly in Ukraine. This shift in strategy was highlighted by a recent conference hosted by the White House, which included over 300 representatives from the US, Ukraine, and defense industries.
The new production lines in Ukraine will initially focus on medium caliber defense ammunition for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Northrop Grumman aims to expand this capacity to include tank ammunition and 155mm artillery ammunition.
The American change of course is significant, as previously, Ukraine's military needs were met through co-production in Eastern European NATO countries. This direct cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry is a strategic move to meet Ukraine's growing defense requirements.
However, this expansion carries risks, as the production sites in Ukraine could be targeted by Russian attacks. Despite these risks, the US and its allies are committed to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.
In a related development, the United States has expanded its agreement with Ukraine, allowing it to strike Russian territory wherever Russian forces are launching cross-border attacks. This policy shift underscores the US's commitment to Ukraine's right to self-defense.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the agreement extends to any area where Russian forces are crossing the border to attack Ukraine. This marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which was limited to the Kharkiv region.
The Pentagon has reiterated that there has been no change in policy, emphasizing that Ukraine has always been allowed to carry out counterstrikes if necessary. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also supported Ukraine's right to attack military targets on Russian territory, reinforcing the international backing for Ukraine's defense.
- Breakingdefence.com explains that the US government has shifted its strategy from co-production in Eastern European NATO countries to direct cooperation with Ukraine's defense industry. This change was formalized during a conference hosted by the White House in December, which included representatives from the US, Ukraine, and defense industries.
- The new production lines in Ukraine will focus on medium caliber defense ammunition for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, with plans to expand to tank ammunition and 155mm artillery ammunition. This initiative is part of a US$2 billion aid program to support Ukraine's defense capabilities.
- The expansion of ammunition production in Ukraine carries risks, as the sites could be targeted by Russian attacks. Despite these risks, the US and its allies are committed to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.
- The United States has expanded its agreement with Ukraine, allowing it to strike Russian territory wherever Russian forces are launching cross-border attacks. This policy shift underscores the US's commitment to Ukraine's right to self-defense and marks a significant change from the previous policy, which was limited to the Kharkiv region.
