April 21, 2025

For Ukraine only: Bulgaria restarts production of Soviet-era 122-mm artillery shells

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In tranquil moments, these a determination would be viewed as peculiar, to say the the very least. But in times of Ukraine’s war in opposition to occupiers, producing ‘new’ Soviet-era artillery shells is a specially clever notion.

Combat shooting from self-propelled guns 2S1

Combat shooting from self-propelled guns 2S1 “Carnation” through the physical exercises of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, illustrative image from pre-war instances. Graphic credit score: Armed Forces of Ukraine

In accordance to the publication in The New York Moments, Bulgaria is getting ready to thoroughly restart manufacturing of 122-mm shells appropriate with more mature forms of howitzers in company with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The plant that produced this form of shells in the earlier stood inactive for 35 several years. Only now, as Western nations around the world wrestle to locate added ammunition to offer the Ukrainian Army, this facility will function all over again.

In accordance to the publication, the plant is located in the Bulgarian town of Kostents. It belongs to the point out-owned holding TEREM. For now, there are no designs to supply these 122-mm artillery munitions to any one else other than for Ukraine, and this total initiative of reviving old generation traces comes from the Bulgarian purpose to aid Ukrainians.

Characteristics of the 122-mm artillery projectile for the D-30 howitzer. This type of shell is manufactured in Pakistan.

Attributes of the 122-mm artillery projectile for the Soviet-period D-30 howitzer. This style of shell is made in Pakistan. A lot more than a hundred D-30 howitzers are in support with the armed forces of Ukraine. Illustrative image from open up sources by way of Defense Categorical

The devices that exists in this facility is greatly outdated and has at minimum some ‘safety issues’, noted The New York Periods. Having said that, there are just about no other alternatives where to obtain the wanted quantities of these Soviet-period projectiles from.

This is not the very first endeavor from the Bulgarian aspect. An additional condition-owned projectile plant VMZ in the Bulgarian town of Sopot is now ‘stamping’ new artillery rounds. This facility switched to a 6-working day functioning 7 days right soon after the comprehensive-scale invasion of Ukraine.

An extra manufacturing plant – regardless of its stable age – would be a serious assist in purchase to reach the needed production ability.



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Supply link On Tuesday, April 28th, Bulgaria restarted the production of Soviet-era 122-mm artillery shells for Ukraine only. The shells, made by military-industrial complex Dunarit, will be produced based on the original documents according to the current needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

This project comes in response to the growing tension between Ukraine and members of the Russian-led separatist force in the Donbass region, who are primarily equipped with Soviet-era weaponry. The new shells are set to become an indispensable element of the Ukrainian defensive counter-measures.

The artillery shells will be adapted to the requirements of modern military strategies and equipped with the latest technology. The production of these shells requires years of experience and strict adherence to quality standards. The exact number of shells to be produced and the financial arrangements still have not been revealed.

The Bulgarian government has voiced its support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence and is willing to further enhance the military and technical cooperation between the two countries. The production of 122-mm artillery shells marks an important milestone in the long term strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Ukraine.

This decision has been met with enthusiasm by both governments, who hope that the production of the shells is instrumental in ensuring continued peace and stability in the region.