First Batch of Ammunition under Czech Initiative to Arrive in Ukraine This Week
The Ukrainian army will receive the first batch of ammunition under the Czech initiative by the end of June. Before being sent to Ukraine, the ammunition will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired by Czech specialists. This was announced by the Czech Defence Minister, Jana Černochová, according to CNN Prima NEWS.
The head of the Czech Ministry of Defence emphasized that this delivery schedule aligns with prior agreements with the Ukrainian side. "As promised, the first shipment will arrive by the end of June," stated Jana Černochová.
She also mentioned that all the ammunition will be repaired and upgraded at Czech enterprises if required. This statement was made in response to comments from former Czech Defence Minister Lubomír Metnar, who raised concerns about the potential quality issues of some of the ammunition. Černochová noted the current global shortage of ammunition, forcing the Czech Republic to work with available resources.
"If we want to help Ukraine, we must be grateful for what we have. Fortunately, we have companies and resources. Donors – the Czech Republic does not pay for this – will ensure the ammunition is made fit for use," added Černochová.
It should be noted that The Gaze reported one of the world's largest defence companies will be manufacturing ammunition in Ukraine. This refers to the American manufacturer Northrop Grumman, which ranks third in the world in defence industry revenues.
"As you know, we are working in Ukraine to establish the production of medium-calibre ammunition. This is our first project funded by 'Ukrainian dollars'. We aim to expand it to 155mm tank ammunition and other munitions as soon as we find innovative processes," said Dave Bartel, the Director of International Business in the Defence Systems sector at Northrop.
Although Bartel did not disclose specific details of the joint production plans, he highlighted a new U.S. State Department programme aimed at developing defence enterprises in Ukraine. This programme involves investing $2 billion in Ukraine's defence industrial base, fostering joint American-Ukrainian military production.