Asger Risom
Czech-led initiative delivers critical artillery supplies as Ukraine overcomes shell shortage
Supplying ammunition has become one of the most urgent challenges in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Facing shortages, Ukraine has recently benefited from a major delivery of artillery shells, although the sources of these supplies remain undisclosed.
Czech Republic Leads the Charge
At the end of April, Ukraine is set to receive an additional 400,000 artillery shells, secured through a Czech-led initiative announced during last year’s Munich Security Conference.
According to WP Tech, Czech President Petr Pavel revealed that his country could secure 500,000 shells of 155 mm caliber and 300,000 shells of 122 mm caliber. Eighteen countries, including Poland, have since joined the effort.
Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová confirmed that the initiative is ongoing and that the delivery targets are on track.
Since the first shipments began in mid-2024, Ukraine has received about 1.5 million artillery shells, including 520,000 rounds of the crucial 155 mm type.
The Czech government has remained tight-lipped about the precise sources of these munitions.
Shells Vital to Ukraine’s Frontlines
Artillery shells of 155 mm caliber, commonly used by NATO forces, typically contain 9 to 10 kilograms of TNT and have ranges that vary depending on the artillery system. Standard systems can hit targets up to 24 kilometers away, while advanced systems like Poland’s Krab self-propelled howitzer can extend that range to over 30 kilometers. Specialized versions with gas generators can increase the range by approximately 30 percent.
Military expert Andrzej Kiński told PAP that thanks to the Czech initiative and additional support from various aid packages, Ukraine has temporarily overcome its artillery shell shortage. However, he warned that the “most pressing issue now is the shortage of missiles for air defense systems.”