Russia's artillery production outpaces West at a quarter of the cost
The Russian industry shifted to wartime production, which is once again surprising. Not only does it produce ammunition much more cheaply than the West, but it also significantly surpasses the current production capabilities of Western countries. The numbers are clear.
According to data from the American consulting firm Bain & Company, cited by the Ukrainian Defense Express service, Russia produces three times more ammunition than the entire West and does so at one-fourth of the Western costs.
While Western countries aim to produce 1.3 million rounds of 6-inch (155 mm) artillery ammunition in 2024, Russia is expected to produce a staggering 4.5 million rounds of 6-inch (152 mm) ammunition during the same period.
At the same time, while the cost of a 6-inch (155 mm) shell in the West is around $4,000, Russia acquires artillery shells for –- $1,000 each. This disparity impacts the situation on the frontline.
Ukrainians point out that Russia can respond with up to five of their own for every round they fire. This results in an artillery imbalance that limits the capabilities of Ukrainian forces and forces them to be very frugal with their available ammunition.
Western ammunition production
Contrary to these statistics, it is worth noting that the West is systematically increasing its ammunition production month by month. When supplies dangerously dwindled in the fall of 2023, the solution was to send American DPICM cluster munitions to Ukraine.
This weapon's significantly greater efficiency partially offset the lower intensity of artillery fire that the Ukrainian army could afford.
Similarly, with the current consumption of 6-inch (155 mm) shells at around 2,000 per day, the United States increased its production from 8,000 to 24,000 rounds per month. The scale of production continues to grow, and—as Col. Mark Cancian explained to PAP—by the end of 2024, the United States alone is expected to produce 80,000 artillery shells each month.
Therefore, while information about the Russian industry sounds alarming, it is essential to remember that the militarized Russian economy is utilizing its full potential. Meanwhile, several dozen times stronger economically, the West is building its capabilities in the long term, systematically increasing production.
