The Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (Ukroboronprom) and the US firm D&M Holding Company have formed a joint venture to produce gunpowder in the US for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Announced at the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine in Rome, the initiative will help overcome the compound’s short supply being faced by the Ukrainian ammunition industry.
Alongside explosives, gunpowder is an essential component for ammunition production and is in high demand around the world.
Being located in the US will also provide the plant with added protection from potential Russian attack. An additional gunpowder production facility will help Kyiv scale up local ammunition production, including the crucial 155mm artillery rounds.
The country launched the serial production of 155mm shells at a local facility in September, with the goal of becoming self-sufficient in ammunition production.
Prior to that, Ukraine was relying on Soviet-era stockpiles of 152mm artillery and ammunition, supplemented by donated 155mm systems and shells.
