According to the newspaper, the radical increase is meant to make up for shortfalls caused by supplying munitions to Ukraine, as well as to build up American stockpiles.
The move, set to expand factories and bring in new producers, is part of “the most aggressive modernization effort in nearly 40 years” for the US defense industry, the New York Times quoted an Army report.
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year, the US produced 14,400 unguided shells a month, since the Pentagon relied mainly on other types of ammunition to fit their combat style.
According to the newspaper, “the Army’s decision to expand its artillery production is the clearest sign yet that the United States plans to back Ukraine no matter how long the war continues”.
In the latest move by NATO countries to help Ukraine’s war effort, Germany and its European partners announced on Wednesday a plan to “quickly” send two Leopard 2 tank battalions to the war-stricken country, with Germany agreeing to provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6s “as a first step”.
Poland has also pledged a company of Leopard tanks, and Britain has promised 14 of its own Challenger tanks.
(jh)
Source: The New York Times, PAP