"Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, DOD [Defense Department] has enabled a rapid and significant increase in 155mm ammo production ... Overall, the US is now producing over 36,000 155 rounds per month," the official said.
The United States is on a path to produce more than 70,000-80,000 155mm artillery shells by the end of 2024 and aims to produce up to 100,000 a month during 2025, the official added.
According to the official, the increased US production of artillery shells is critical to Ukraine's needs on the battlefield. The United States has provided Ukraine with more than 3 million 155mm artillery shells since the start of Russia's special military operation, data from the Pentagon shows.
Moreover, the Defense Department is also investing heavily to increase production of other key munitions like the Javelin and the Stinger weapon systems, the official added.
On Thursday, the US Army announced it awarded a $1.3 billion contract to a joint venture between US defense firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin for the production of Javelin anti-tank weapon systems. The goal is to increase Javelin production to 3,960 per year by late 2026.
This contract also includes more than 4,000 Javelins to replenish rounds sent to Ukraine.
Western countries have provided hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. Aid shipments began in 2022 with artillery munitions and training and have escalated to include tanks, advanced air-defense systems, missiles, and cluster munitions. The Kremlin has consistently warned against the West's continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, saying that they only prolong the conflict.