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Germany, against the backdrop of a shortage of ammunition in Ukraine, is expanding its production. The German concern has begun construction of a new enterprise in Lower Saxony, which will produce up to 200 thousand shells per year, FREEDOM reports.
The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister of Denmark came to the ceremony of laying the first stone for the construction of a new ammunition plant in Germany. The largest German defense concern will expand ammunition production at a plant in eastern Lower Saxony.
“Regardless of what happens in the US this year, I think the lesson to be learned now is that Europe needs to get stronger and we need to be able to do more on our own. I say this even though I sincerely believe in the transatlantic alliance,” said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
There are weapons factories in Germany, but the new one should become autonomous. Its peculiarity is a full production cycle. The reason is obvious: Russia’s war against Ukraine has been going on for two years. By expanding production, Germany will be able to cover the needs of the Ukrainian army and quickly replenish its own reserves.
“Now we need to combine all our efforts. In my opinion, this means that Europe must contribute everywhere by providing sufficient weapons and ammunition that can be delivered to Ukraine. Germany has taken a very big step, as have other countries such as Denmark. But not all of them have made the necessary decisions yet,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
According to preliminary data, the new factory in Lower Saxony will cost 300 million euros and should be ready in 12 to 15 months. In the first year, 50 thousand artillery shells will be produced here. Then they plan to double the capacity and eventually increase it to 200 thousand, and at the concern’s factories around the world – up to 700 thousand per year.
“And now we need to add new production. Not least because Ukraine needs to be able to defend itself, but also for our own long-term defense interests, for example, sustainable large ammunition production capacities are important,” Scholz added.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Bärbock said that all the billions of aid that Ukraine receives from partners are, among other things, an investment in the security of Europe.
“Specifically, we want to work together to lay important European foundations for our European defense… We want to work together towards a European Security and Defense Union. And precisely because in some areas, including defense issues, we look at our European security from different points of view, it is very important that we come together here in the interests of Europe as a whole,” she explained.
Baerbock also said that if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin believes that Western strength and support is weakening, then he is very mistaken. And she added that the Europeans have supported Ukraine for two years and will continue to do so as long as necessary.
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