Ukraine's allies struggle with high artillery costs and slow production
According to data compiled by consulting firm Bain & Company, Russia bears the cost of artillery shell production about one-fourth of the costs borne by Ukraine's Western allies. Sky News notes that Russia produces shells three times faster than the West.
Ukraine's Western allies lag behind Russia in terms of the production and delivery capabilities of artillery shells, the leading force in the war in Ukraine. Sky News refers to the recent measures as a "battle of fires" due to the number of shells used.
Russia rushing production
According to data compiled by consulting firm Bain & Company, Russia continues to produce shells three times faster than the West despite having a combined economic force that significantly exceeds the Kremlin's capabilities.
"Russian factories were forecast to manufacture or refurbish about 4.5 million artillery shells this year compared with a combined production of about 1.3 million rounds across European nations and the US," according to the Bain & Company report.
Significantly lower costs
However, this is not the only problem faced by Ukraine's allies. Western production is more expensive. According to calculations by the consulting firm, Russia's cost of producing artillery shells is about one-fourth of the costs borne by Western countries.
"The average production cost per 155 mm shell - the type produced by NATO countries - was about $4,000 (£3,160) per unit, though it varied significantly between countries. This is compared with a reported Russian production cost of around $1,000 (£790) per 152 mm shell that the Russian armed forces use," notes Sky News.
