With Soviet-Era Artillery Shells Running Out, Ukrainian Forces Drive Demand For New Production

Ukrainian artillery crews have been using up their Soviet-era ammunition supplies and now need to find more sources for reloading their vintage howitzers. Troops are hoping to get new supplies of Soviet-era-compatible ammunition from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-artil...
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[@rogerbrownreacts8528]

Irony all the Warsaw Pact Ammo defending against Russian aggression.

[@danekender5332]

I know, right? You just can't make this shit up! 😂 🍻

[@LukaszBrzadkowski]

Best use ever!

[@MayaPosch]

Considering what the moscovites did to the people in former Warsaw Pact countries, helping Ukraine beat the ever-living daylights out of Moscow is the only reasonable response, to be honest.

[@aestradarespeto]

The most irony is that Russia combats against NATO allies inside ex-soviet era territory, just inside the ex-USSR borders. That was unthinkable years ago.

[@Sajuuk]

It's rich irony 😁

[@ivancho5854]

Bulgaria has increased production for Ukraine too. Probably most ex-Warsaw Pact countries are making ammunition, because they know what Russia is like. 🌻💀🌻 Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@Digmen1]

Slava Bulgaria!

[@Ghhyuttgg]

All the arms manufacturers in Bulgaria are loyal to Russia. They might be making arms, but not for Ukraine

[@luke_skywanker7643]

@@Digmen1 👍👍

[@PierceStudent]

People are getting paid, and if you are in one of those old Warsaw Pact countries this could be a good job, just before Christmas when you need it. Also, this is where the women can fill in, just like they did in the US and Britain, Australia, Canada, etc., during WWII.

[@josephkush1032]

No one cares about ukraine, only the money the war brings

[@NesconProductions]

Reporters ability to continue his commentary and only being momentarily interrupted by the firing on the 122mm howitzer was most impressive 😳, a product of such a protracted conflict 😑. Best wishes all..

[@bwagpdx802]

Didn't even flinch 👍

[@michaelbennett7561]

@@bwagpdx802 He flinched a little. Not much though!

[@hliasgr-lp7sz]

can we just appreciate how the journalist barely flinched at the artillery firing?

[@petercameron2137]

Literally didn't react at all, the shockwave is what moved him

[@thechancellor3715]

Noticed that....

[@BaronEvola123]

That's cause it's a set up 50 miles from any action or more.* If it were a real scenario, near the front, they would have to go into a firing position. shoot 2-3 rounds max and get out of there fast. The Russian artillery counter battery fire from 152's can out distance them. *Did you hear anything coming back, or sounds of artillery in the distance or background? You can hear artillery shells 40 miles away. You're watching bulls..t.

[@josephastier7421]

@@BaronEvola123 He's talking about the round being fired right behind him. Most people would have jumped out of their shoes.

[@susansmith9263]

Yes! Noticed that too! Most Veteran War Correspondents know well, the difference in sound between most outgoing and incoming fire. 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@nivek5031]

Just BTW, I was a #1, FN 7.62 LMG (Light Machine Gunner) for years. My hearing suffered damage and I have had tinnitus for over 30 years. My ears make a high-pitched whistle 24/7 and at times it drives me 'kuku'. I note that the men have insufficient hearing protection and predict that thousands of Ukraine soldiers will suffer painful hearing disorders until they finally die. All possible action must be taken to avoid tinnitus, as it never goes away. 🙉 Tinnitus ruins a soldiers capacity to engage in conversations both on and off the battlefield. Demand eye and ear protection and know how to use it. The quality of your life, hereafter depend on how well you can see & hear. 🧔🙉🤬

[@1midnightfish]

Thank you! I was literally scrolling through the comments to see if anyone else had commented on this issue. I don't think I've ever seen anyone wear appropriate ear protection in any of these videos, it really worries me. Many of these guys will have a hard enough time in future - I have complex PTSD and it's no joke - they don't need tinnitus on top of that. At one point I thought I was developing tinnitus (nothing heroic, just from being stupid at gigs for years) and I was really worried. I'm sorry you suffer from it, it can really interfere with day-to-day living. Even the ear protection worn by musicians and sound crews would be better than nothing here... I wonder if anyone is fundraising for that, but I don't even know where to start. Слава захисникам України 💙💛

[@woodstream6137]

I can't even imagine. I have minor tinnitus from working next to machinery all day. My earplugs are a blessing even if I can't hear what people say.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Not only ammunition but replacement gun barrels / other wear parts will have to be put into production if Ukrainian forces want to extend their lifespan. Trade offs will have to be considered and decisions made quickly even with all the unknowns.

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

The Kremlin itself already pledged fresh parts and maybe some barrels. Ukraine should just need enough ammo to burn them out

[@Orcawhale1]

It is mostly ammo, that's the problem. The barrels and wear parts can be taken from the existing Soviet stockpiles, which are spread out in the former eastern bloc countries.

[@tnickknight]

They are sent to Europe for repair and replacement

[@PierceStudent]

I heard on a KZbin that the Ukraine was making their own 152mm and 210 mm. That's good news. I had also read that after about 2000 firings, the gun barrels needed to be reworked. Of course that takes special equipment, etc. The quality control has to be top notch. So, I hope the procedures, equipment and personnel are in place to do the job.

[@genechaas7369]

those 155s are like the old 264 Winchester Magnum, barrel burners - a 1000 rounds and out! Trades offs to LET FREEDOM REIGN I pray.

[@johnsperry9494]

Irony! During the Soviet era, lots of Russia's military hardware was manufactured in Ukraine. So, they have the know-how to re-supply, repair, and upgrade. Go Ukraine!

[@daniellucena9694]

Between many other military productions.And yes it's ironic indeed...if this war wasn't x Ukraine,(an ex soviet republic),it could have been any other ex soviet republic willing to become a democratic country...because russisn Communism doesn't want democratic countries near them,because if their people would be able to see how is the western side,they will became another democratic country.The only one who knew it was Gorbachov.But the other communist leaders didn't allow him to do that.

[@dutchschultz3076]

@@daniellucena9694 your absolutely correct. That's why they were looting washing machines. The old lady in Russia gave her life saving to buy a toilet and gave it to Russian troops to get body armor and helmets. You can hear what the Russian soldiers are saying on a channel call war translated. It plays the intercepted call of Russian soldiers calling home and such.

[@tominmtnvw]

They do not presently have the manufacturing facility to do so presently. They are working on that.

[@rogerwilco2]

But quite a bit of it was in the Donbass, one of the reasons Russia wants it.

[@rogerwilco2]

@@daniellucena9694 It has nothing to do with Communism. Putin hates communism and despises the Soviet Union. Putin wants the old Imperial Russia back, with him as the Tsar.

[@HorstEwald]

1:27 this badass barely flinched, continued to talk without stopping and didn't even smiled about his badass reaction to the howitzer balst showering him in tree branches. What a man :D

[@miguelfdez712]

They shall not run out of gallantry and bravery. Viva Ucrania, coño!!!

[@RonJohn63]

Sadly, at some point people run out of bravery if they've been fighting too long.

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

@RonJohn63 Right. Unless they are defending their right to live and exist, and they're already pummeling the enemy. Go away you miserable russian troll.

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

@@RonJohn63 Some people don't have any bravery to run out of, and they lose the war the day they started it.

[@miguelfdez712]

@@AndyBonesSynthProim not a prorrusian. You misunderstood my words

[@anomymouse5043]

Here is a war comment, posted in one newspaper discussion. I took the liberty to run it through translator. This is for journalists. Please check this: " I have been writing in favor of arms aid to Ukraine since the turn of February-March. Still, even the most obvious deficiencies in arms aid are still allowed to hinder Ukraine's defense, armored vehicles being one example of this. I am unwilling to write the same petitions again every day, so this time I am appealing to the media and journalists. Try to get the European leaders to an interview where they have to explain in more depth the flawed nature of the arms aid to Ukraine. In particular, the escalation argument should be dismantled, because it does not stand up to scrutiny. As far as conventional warfare is concerned, Russia has already started mobilizing, and they still cannot move decent troops to anything other than the Ukrainian front. As for nuclear weapons, escalation can only be prevented by creating a sufficiently strong threat of the consequences for Russia’s first strike with nuclear weapons. Giving in to the demands of a first-strike blackmailing Russia, on the other hand, creates an example that forces everyone to acquire a nuclear weapon under their own control and shows that threatening with a first-strike is a viable strategy. Escalation cannot therefore be a valid reason for crippling arms aid to Ukraine. But no other reasons have been given. Larger production of those weapon systems and ammunition, the depletion of stocks of which is seen as a threat, has also not been started. It took Britain, a model country for European arms aid, ten months to decide on a replenishment order for NLAW anti-armor missiles. France, on the other hand, has not yet even started to offer credible arms aid for its size. What is this about? Why don't the leaders explain to their voters the grounds on which they arrive at these absurd decisions about limiting aid in the light of the known facts? "

[@donwyoming1936]

The new made Ukrainian shells should be good. Soviets weren't known for making accurate ammo. They used tooling long after it was worn out.

[@J-IFWBR]

idk about accuracy, but that soviet shit surely is reliable.

[@alicehicks9500]

Bravo Bravo brave Ukraine 🇺🇦 👏

[@vietnamesebeauties]

We, the Vietnam university KZbin team, continue to pray for peace 🕊️ to be in Ukraine soonest by next year 🙏🙏

[@zetareticuli841]

Hello to Vietnam 👋 😊

[@vietnamesebeauties]

@@zetareticuli841 hello 🤗 thank you for your support 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@delzmariano3965]

Slava Ukraine…👍🙏🇨🇦🇨🇦❤️❤️from Canada

[@garyfilmer382]

Victory to Ukraine!🇺🇦Slava Ukrajina!🇺🇦

[@aA-ye1cf]

When I joined the RN in the "cold war" never did I imagine "soviet munitions" would one day be poubnding russians! I worked in E sector and befriended several USSR personnel. They used to joke even then that if the USSR was a body, Russia was its asre hole! Slava Ukraine

[@Ed_Stuckey]

I was pleased and not surprised to hear them applauding the contributions of other units toward the success of their assaults.

[@gargargargary]

Drop a couple of those on puddin and the kremlin

[@LeadingInnovations]

God bless the Ukrainian armed forces, they are defending our freedom! Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

[@Rob-vv5yn]

The irony your letting other nations people die so Germany remains safe.

[@daveapplemotors]

Wow, Blue helmet dude barely flinched when the canon fired!

[@nivek5031]

There must be a million working order shells lying in weapons stores, not too far away. A fair number may be able to be air-lifted into Ukraine from ex Soviet Union countries. A long shot, perhaps, but no harm in considering.

[@MarkyMark2177]

Lol nice pun

[@nick4819]

Oh for sure....but these nations must also maintain their own stocks in case of more aggression from Russia or Belarus.

[@JoeZorzin]

@@nick4819 the best way to get less aggression from Russia is to help Ukraine win the war

[@stc3145]

Even Pakistan has sent 122mm shells

[@nivek5031]

@@nick4819 No, they have enough time to change the barrels to take upgraded ammo. 😉

[@AndrewGrey22]

It's probably safer than old Soviet made shells.

[@cipofly]

Forza UKRAINA 💪✌.

[@pottedferne]

Much important feedback coming from these heroes!

[@oscaroctavio]

Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@artv651]

Slava Russia 🇷🇺👍🏻💪🏻

[@josephastier7421]

With no original propellant for the Soviet shells, they would have to learn their distance tables all over again.

[@sgt.killjoy1552]

Time to upgrade from the 122 to the 155 shells, more splat

[@Weisior]

As a Pole, Im happy to pay higher taxes if itd help Ukraine to defend itself with more and modern weaponary. They are defending my country too, so I help as I can, and I encourage the whole free and morally obligued world to do the same, even a single dollar donated for equipment for soldiers on the frontline makes a difference!

[@perjrgensen8280]

Respect to the people of Ukraine. Stay strong Ukraine..👍 Greetings from Denmark.

[@flash7355]

A good crew with good training, a good stock of ammunition, maybe some modernisations with comms and contact with a scouting drone and you will still be useful on this battlefield. Especially if you operate where there is not much counter artillery activity if you have the only mobile artillery to call in when needed even these 122mm guns can prove dominant.

[@elizabethstewart12]

Excellent journalism.

[@jackjones9460]

Good to see! I’m sure all former USSR countries have the technology to build their own ammo and weapons. I hope they have not destroyed the equipment so could put it back into use easily. The next step will be to modify their equipment to fire NATO standard ammunition, which will save a lot of money refitting for whey they have to fight Russia if it destroys Ukraine.

[@J-IFWBR]

the other former warzaw pakt countries are in nato. Ukraine is not. Why do you think russia would be interested, in starting a nuklear armageddon? Because it is very likely, that the redbuttons will be pushed, when nato gets attacked.

[@jackjones9460]

@@J-IFWBR I think Russia would go nuclear because it had no other way to protect itself. I just didn’t imagine it’d run out of weapons, equipment or people so quickly! You

[@demef758]

It's the old adage: "war is good for business."

[@OldeJanner]

UK government have just announced they will supply ammunition, but whether it will fit these or they are sending the artillery too, I don't know.

[@jic1]

The UK government has provided Ukraine with 122mm and 152mm ammunition sourced from Pakistan in the past, so they may be planning to do that again.

[@tominmtnvw]

Don’t worry, they know what they’re doing.

[@romullonatto8121]

💪💪💪UKRAINIANS HEROES FROM BRAZIL!

[@daltondickens1848]

Sooner or later...Germany has got to really kick in, especially with some of their older gen tanks, that still have thermals. That as well as more modern arty that is more modern than the Soviet types. They are the richest country in Europe and should step to the plate. Americans are tired of those in Europe sitting on their ass as far as arms support. THEY should be the leader and we helping of course.

[@J-IFWBR]

Eu is already supplying more then the US. And the decision to make Ukraine a western ally was made in washington d.c. not in Berlin. So stop pretending like this is Germanys obligation. The US made Ukraine part of the western Alliance, now the US should step up and deal with this shit. And also ontop of that, who is carrying the economic repercussions from this? Its Germany and the EU, not the USA who is sitting on an entirely other continent, far away, and save and sound.

[@daltondickens1848]

@@J-IFWBR Europe doing more, hardly other than taking in refugees. State the number of billions of dollars spent, vs the US? It does not compare. Sending blankets and helmets to begin with. Europe and Germany have depended on the US to provide military protection via US taxpayer dollars, because Europe wouldn't spend 2% of it's GDP for military spending. Especially Germany who's armed forces were depleted, though the richest country in Europe. Trump warned ya. That has changed. Why, if Russia is such a threat to the EU, would you lie in bed and buy oil and gas from them? Can't you drill for gas and oil on your own? It was because it was cheaper and easy to get, while putting your head in the lion's mouth. No matter, Putin won't try to take the US...but Germany and other EU countries, he has his sights on for a new SU.

[@Walterwaltraud]

More yes, the scale are the Baltic States and Poland. But your tank remarks is completely rubbish: Look up how many T72s/ PT91s et al are in Bulgaria, Romania and Poland. Then you have 3700 (!!) M1 sitting around in the California desert. So the solution is quite simple and should have done months ago: 30% of that stock goes to new NATO members in Eastern Europe, same with old M109s btw, and those three countries give their complete Soviet or updated stock to Ukraine. Simpler logistics, and I don't see Iran attacking Saudi-Arabia or China Taiwan with tanks. Germany has 240 - 320 tanks. We used to have 3 - 4 k, but gave most away when the West won the Cold War, the UK and France were afraid of old German habits, conventional arms reduction treaty for Europe came into place (but Russia could keep its old stuff East of the Urals...) and the US, UK and Russia guaranteed Ukraine's integrity in the Budapest memorandum. So Dalton Dickens, you are right for defense expenditures, but don't know shit about existing stocks. Sell your old stocks to Eastern Europe, have them forward their old gear, and feel more competent about yourself. You have 3700 Abrams as reserve stock in the desert, we have less than 320 in active duty that are needed to defend Lithuania. Check a world map. California is not threatened. And oh, yes, the Poles want to go to 2 MBTs only over time, the M1 and K2. Right now they also have M72, PT91 and Leo2A4. Get informed.

[@daltondickens1848]

@@Walterwaltraud I do agree on the point that Ukraine troops need to be trained on the Abram M1. I hope they get some at some point. Naturally we can't let the Russians get their hands on our improved tech, same as the latest German tank tech, or latest allied NATO tech. All NATO countries need to kick in with older stuff, but still effective and better than what the Russians are fielding. Bottom line, there is not enough Soviet era tanks to keep Ukraine supplied that can be fitted up due to the parts being not produced for so many years. I feel that at some point, that Ukraine will join NATO, get the latest or below next gen equipment, if it gets it's stuff together and reign in corruption. Putin was a fool, to ever start this war.

[@Walterwaltraud]

@@daltondickens1848 Do the count, there are well over 1200 "Soviet style" MBTs in NATO member state arsenals. So no, the M1 is a gas sucker, the armour shall remain secret from Russia and China, and handing those over could be considered after the war. But substitution of Bulgaria's, Romania's and Poland's kit is the issue at hand. Plus arty shell, where I cannot grasp why this wasn't an issue since the 2nd or 3rd week of March: It's just 1% of the output of one blast furnace of steel that needs to be forged plus CNC milling, put on a train, fill in explosives right on the Polish-Ukrainian border and let it rain down on Putin's cannon fodder and cold war surplus to finish this nightmare asap. Yes, they shall join NATO as soon as they kick out Russia from its territory. Putin's security interest is well covered by his 6 k nukes. Cheers!

[@pierohermadones1877]

As far as I know, the "cores" of cannon and howitzer barrels have a precise "useful life" which, translated more simply, means that after a certain number of shots fired, the cannon barrel must be changed, otherwise precision and security can no longer be guaranteed. Another problem which is not easy to solve is that of using ammunition of the same caliber and adapted launch charges but of a different origin than that designed for a specific weapon. Furthermore, to make things even more complicated, especially in terms of logistics, the Ukrainians have received a good quantity of towable howitzers and self-propelled howitzers with 155mm guns. Very precise weapons and with standardized ammunition but which in some cases have a useful life of the barrels not exceeding 1,500 shots fired - in this regard it seems to me that the Pzh2000 and the Caesar are among those -. which makes the job of replacing rods much more complex and frequent, a job that can only be done in extremely "quiet" and well-equipped contexts, certainly not on the front line ... 🤔

[@johncarlaw8633]

@Piero HermAdones In general, not specific to this gun. The barrel life depends on erosion from the propellant and rifling wear. Erosion is non-linear so barrel life can be 3x or 4x with 80% of the range/firing charge and much greater for lighter charges . For long range counter battery firing high charge the accurate life at precise targets can be quite short. Edit : at 3:37 In this they show 'reduced charge'. A slightly shorter range for bombardment higher volume use but will greatly increase barrel life. The shorter range moves them closer to the front and a target for longer range counter-battery fire. Ukrainians seem to have been using the Pzh2000 and the Caesar at long range greatly shorter life against high value targets. If the target is destroyed earlier with accurate hits fewer need to be fired so shorter barrel life doesn't always mean less effective.,

[@pierohermadones1877]

@@johncarlaw8633 True, you are absolutely right, I only limited myself to considering the use of these weapons within an employment criterion that was basically 100% of the operational possibilities. Whatever their use, I understand that the weapons I have mentioned have already been exploited intensively. It is therefore possible that some of them have already required maintenance interventions linked to an intense operating cycle. p.s. in the numerous films released by the ZSU those weapons are almost always used at "full charge" ... but obviously it is very difficult to get a picture of the real situation. 😎

[@chaosXP3RT]

This is why getting Ukraine artillery like the M777, Krab, Pzh 2000, M109 Paladin, CAESER, and other Western artillery is so important. Because the West already has artillery shells in mass production. The old Soviet ammo isn't made anymore, at least not in large quantities.

[@LordOceanus]

Most of NATO's eastern nations still posses large amounts of Warsaw Pact era artillery and intend to sue it in the event of a fight. A foundry built to make 152mm or 122mm shells today can be converted to 155mm in the future as NATO pattern artillery replaces the old guns. Overall a good investment since the 155mm market alone is going to be hot for a decade due to the amount of munitions expended already in this war.

[@paulvarn4712]

I suspect a lot of these shells were used in training over the last 40 years.

[@pierohermadones1877]

True... but one of the details that is easily forgotten when it comes to cannons, mortars, etc. is the need to produce as many propellant or launch charges as well as the explosives of the projectiles themselves. Thus, while the shell of a low-maintenance projectile can last almost indefinitely, launching charges and bursting charges have very different and more limited useful lives. So even having exorbitant quantities of "old" ammunition, stored in depots, does not mean that it will be "effective" when it comes to using it. Precisely for this reason, above all because of this war of cannon fire, Europe has discovered that it is short of "fresh" ammunition and one of the few European factories that produce charges and explosives (the French group EURENCO? I think) is now engaged in the production of those elements at an almost frenzied pace.

[@Walterwaltraud]

@@pierohermadones1877 True, but the charges are easy to mass produce as opposed to the shells or precision guided munitions. Arty shells to 1/1000 of a mm to fly more precisely is much more difficult with calibrated CNC and forgeries than simply bagging explosive chemicals.

[@pierohermadones1877]

@@Walterwaltraud I cannot deny the correctness of your observations. In addition to more specific technical aspects, only one detail remains to be highlighted: How much does all this cost...? This war, in addition to the implicit brutality, is becoming a huge bottomless pit of resources... and as always someone will find it very "useful" 😶

[@Walterwaltraud]

@@pierohermadones1877 Well, if some weapon and ammo forgeries make more money in times of war, that's comes with the territory. But that's why we have progressive income taxes etc. The cost in my humble view is mostly due to some lousy policy in energy efficiency and slow switch to renewables beforehand - a huge chunk of inflation could have been spared by better continuous non ideological policy ahead of time. The rest is a) conventional deterrence and b) as hard as that is to swallow, Ukraine was too ambivalent and corrupt in society or ruling class before adjusting the course: Look up how many cruise missiles and strategic bombers they gave back to Russia to pay for gas debts. How rich some oligarchs got earlier on; how little of the astonishing potential of that huge countries was put to good use beforehand. All this makes me optimistic post war, but the current cost is minimal compared to what the destruction by Putler might amount to if he did the same to central Asian cleptocracies, controls more carbohydrates, more black soil and agriculture and worst of it all, start WWIII against NATO by destabilizing Latvia etc.... It's all relative...

[@jtf2dan]

Just do another Thunder Run...the Orcs will run away leaving tens of thousands of them behind!

[@Jyshrii]

It is good Ukraine has so many allies capable of supplying and manufacturing useful weapons. Slava Ukraini!

[@ncacia8]

Nice of Ukraine to return all those rounds back to the russians. Hope the orcs on the front line appreciated them.

[@operator9858]

Think this is going to turn the war around? Ya, me niether lol

[@timeflysintheshop]

God bless the defenders of freedom and the people who support them! Glory to Ukraine!

[@mpakakas3518]

yeah god bless the mindless slaves to the americans. god bless. (and after we finish with them we'll throw the Poles in the russian oven. everything for america. god bless.)

[@lewisc9959]

Ukraine isn’t free! Lol!

[@thefastandthedead1769]

Slava Ukraini!

[@legion6277]

Ukraine has been producing 122mm and 152mm shells themselves but not at a tremendous rate.

[@oraclex2976]

Many countries have been supporting Ukraine, especially the U.S., the U.K., East European countries, Canada,… It is disappointing, however, that Germany has been dragging its heels.

[@tobiasbauer198]

What has germany? Please elaborate. And I already know the leopard 2 case.

[@zetareticuli841]

Germany has nothing. They are nearly out of everything, so what should they take to help?

[@koenigistmeinname]

@@zetareticuli841 5000 Helmets

[@tobiasbauer198]

we could send leos, but it's like they think, we have a huge military just because we are an economic powerhouse. We are the exact opposite. In fact having a higher living standard just means you got to spend more money for higher pensions and so on for the soldiers, so less percent of the military budget will be used for purchasing weapons and amo.

[@borntosurvey4919]

Germany already send 30 Gepards, they have already shot down a lot of drones, saving many ukrainian lifes and don´t forget the pzh 2000, panzerfausts, machineguns, ammo and a lot of other equipment, paid by the german taxpayers So i think, you should get your informations right, before blaming germany for not doing enough.

[@alejandrosotomartin9720]

Good luck and Merry Christmas.

[@marcusanton95]

Laughed when I saw the commander with the fire retardant cushion on his ass so he could sit on a very hot barrel when they moved locations. That was something you'll not see in the movies, but real non the less.

[@Reno_Slim]

I'll bet Viktor Bout knows where to get some.

[@RobKirbyson14]

😛😛😛😛

[@nick4819]

Right lmao...I'm sure we can ask Griner to shoot some hoops. Stupid fucking trade. That cunt literally yelled and complained about how much she hated America...and the first thing she asked for when she broke the fucking law in a foreign country....was "AMERICA! PLEASE HELP ME! :(" Meanwhile her and her basketball team is likely still kneeling during the anthem.

[@philgee7249]

That had occurred to me. That's probably why the Russians wanted him.

[@pibblesnbits]

Underrated comment.

[@marlenfras5490]

Keep going Ukraine No time to waste!!!!

[@danekender5332]

From petrol bombs to HIMARS & M777s, Ukraine is now among the most battle capable army's in Europe at this point!! And Russia cannot field tanks newer than the 50s &60s !!! 😂

[@lesterquintrell4844]

goodness me, what a totally banal remark.

[@danekender5332]

Sorry, professor, We'll try harder next time! It was only an observation.....

[@justjoking5841]

Ukraine can win but... Berlin Wall 2.0 is inevitable at this point. Hopefully I'm wrong. Russia and its LPR and DPR separatist terrorists are dug in deeply. So even if Ukraine takes Donbass back. There is no guarantee that the fighting will stop.

[@northvanwan7428]

@@lesterquintrell4844 but yours ,wins.

[@navinkumar6388]

Russia rules. 40+ nations against Russia. You forgot to mention Ukraine is the richest Army. Waiting to hear one death due to winter. Die for Ukraine. With Love from India 🇮🇳

[@paulnmedley]

there is a huge supply of Russian ammunition at Cobasna Moldova. I recommend Ukrainian forces take it - with the approval of the Moldova government. I pretty sure Moldova would like to see Transnsistria demilitarized and I don't think russia could do much about it.

[@paulmasterson386]

Great comment! I suspect though that the Russians will have seen this coming and already have planted demolition charges. Then again they have been so incompetent in Ukraine,who knows?

[@tominmtnvw]

No illegal military operations. Leave that to the Russians.

[@markhackney138]

It is my understanding that stocks are running low. Production must be ramped up and they do need more long range artillery, especially the HIMARS guided extended range shells.

[@chaosXP3RT]

2:01It's 2022 and the guy is still hand cranking the elevation of the gun. Sheesh!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

But it woks....and doesn't break down...

[@MrJdsenior]

It surprises me exactly none that the Ukrainian 'beta testing' shells were good. But how quickly can they ramp up to what level? That is the question that matters. I think the US should be ramping up to produce this ammo in quantity, as well. That, or we are going to have to supply a large number of guns to make up for the Soviet/Russian artillery becoming, essentially, good boat anchors. It seems to me, that in the long run, the shells would be the far cheaper option. This ramping up should have started about 6-7 months ago, actually, when you could start to extrapolate that it wouldn't be long at all before running out was going to be an issue, based on usage at the time. And yeah, Ukraine would have to be nuts not to be doing this for themselves, at whatever level they can achieve, as quickly as they can achieve it. I SURE AS HELL would not want to be totally dependent on foreign shells being continuously available if my country's very existence was at stake, as theirs is. Russia SUCKS. Slava Ukraini. It is truly hard to believe that in this day and age you essentially have window cranks slew those barrels around. Wow.

[@user-cp1jg5ut3t]

Ukraine set up shell production facilities at the Artem plant back in 2017/2018 iirc. A lot of the machinery came from south korean Doosan company. The equipment were of the scaleable type, so it could shift between making 122mm and 152mm, maybe also 155mm. Why production never got underway properly i dont know. Maybe it was cheaper to buy from established producers in neighbour countries? Corruption? Treason? Back then it was stated that initial production rate would be 18000 shells pr year, and later it was planned to be increased to 360 000 shells pr year, if everything worked fine, and the need for shell was high.

[@agnelomascarenhas8990]

@@user-cp1jg5ut3t if Ukraine is using 6000 shells per day, annual needs are 2 million. The 300,000 that Russia has mobilized can last 1 year at the current fatality rate. They may need 3X more shells for attacking rather than defending. GMLRS is still needed.

[@jacktripper7422]

We got it from our neighbors? Sick

[@tobiasbauer198]

Nice neighbors they have

[@vaclavcervinka65]

It is sick that their neighbors - the Russians - attacked them. It's great that other neighbors - Poland, Czechia etc. stepped up, did the right thing and provided Ukrainians with weapons to be able to defend themselves.

[@k.s.333]

When I see how calm and cool they are, casually talking about using ammo sourced from various countries as well as domestically manufactured, I have to think what the men and women fighting and dying those first days would think of this -- at the time they were overwhelmed and many must have thought they were fighting a losing battle just to buy time for their nation to rally to the cause. And rally they did! Those who fell early on, sometimes alone or in small groups, some who still lay unrecovered in the wilderness, did not die in vain.

[@davidlasoff8261]

That's right, set up munitions factories to indefinitely use what they have and also replacement barrels and parts that wear out over extended firings. The brave and smart Ukrainian minds along with former Warsaw pact Eastern European nations have what it takes but NATO and US support, technology and funding will make the process all the more efficient and effective. Slava Ukraina!

[@HiMarsPewPew]

SLAVA UKRAINE 🇺🇦

[@bdo9114]

Give them all they need

[@SandyRiverBlue]

It always surprises me, although it shouldn't, how professional their troops are. If it weren't for the language difference you'd swear that it was any other career-minded NCO and his troops.

[@bigbear7076]

News guy barely flinched from cannon blast over shoulder.

[@petersterling5334]

All these Hero Ukraine Soldiers are Protecting not only Ukraine but all of the Countries in Europe from Russian aggression!! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@johnriley215]

If Russia opens up new fronts from Belarus or in the north of Ukraine, then Ukraine should be able to use HIMARS or any other weapons provided for any targets within Belarus or Russia. This should be a proactive statement by the US, NATO and any other countries that are supplying arms. A proactive statement on this policy would put the ball in Russia's court.

[@philgee7249]

They need more Himars. I think they only have about 16 or is it more?

[@Stephen-bq4nq]

@@philgee7249 they have about 20

[@tomnps1671]

I think that the recoil could disturb the firing solution.

[@LambertBrady]

Geez O Peets! I gotta get me one of them!!!

[@kinny2098]

Clearly not a BBC reporter, they would be huddled down behind a tree holding their helmets and flinching at every shot lol

[@fernandochavez4312]

Through desperation comes resourcefulness. Through resources and determination comes victory.

[@josephastier7421]

Impressive that in less than one year Ukraine was able to begin producing good copies of the Soviet shells.

[@briananthony4044]

Ukraine has had a very capable arms industry from back in the soviet times. Tanks, artillery, APC, turbines, missiles, they can produce them all. Problem is much of their heavy industry was in the east of the country and is now controlled by the Russians, and those in the west have been bombed. So it's very much having to retool and train new people. They also have to keep these locations secret for as long as possible as there are spies ready to pass on their location to Russian forces.

[@boonedockjourneyman7979]

Brave kid.

[@ja37d-34]

I hope Sweden sends those Archers that Norway initially ordered... With heaps of ammo..

[@magnushelin007]

Me to.

[@ja37d-34]

@@magnushelin007 They need them.. SO..

[@phillee2814]

And Gripens - perfect advanced replacements for Ukraine's soviet era aircraft, and without the delicacy of the F-16 with its need for long, smooth runways (read, easy targets). Gripens are designed to be operated from dispersal on rough roadways. Plus as well as being fine for ground attack, the Gripen can take almost any ordnance from just about any source in the world and has comprehensively thrashed the F-16 in every exercise where they have been matched against each other. True multirole versatility and cheaper to operate. Even in icy conditions, it only needs 500M of rough roadway to land and can be turned around and in the air in 20-40 minutes, depending on loadout. That is using just a couple of trucks, one technician and five conscripts. When every road is a runway and the aircraft lands in a different place every time, how can the orcs target its base?

[@magnushelin007]

@@phillee2814 Gripens would be a very capable and suitable fighter for Ukraine. My only question is how many Sweden and other user countries can spare. Perhaps Nato allies need to station fighters in Sweden to help defend Swedish airspace. To make a real difference, Ukraine would need 30-40 Gripen, I assume

[@phillee2814]

@@magnushelin007 Just so, and every country capable of producing more should be doing so - even if they were not directly produced by Sweden, they would of course get royalty payments so it would do them no harm at all. Gripen fills a niche that no NATO aircraft does, and that niche is exactly what Ukraine needs. Ukraine had already selected Gripen as its new combat aircraft, but due to Swedish constraints on the supply of military hardware to areas of conflict, the deal for Ukraine to have its own shadow factory in Lviv was frozen in 2014. Clearly, it would be hard to put into practice now, but it could be co-located just across a NATO border, even staffed with Ukrainian technicians, who have shown themselves highly capable, and I suspect would be breaking records for production speed within a month or two. I've seen how highly motivated the trainees arriving in the UK are - they have worked hard on their fitness before coming, so that (and the lack of any need for ceremonial training and drill) means they leave after 13 weeks better able than their domestically recruited counterparts for the UK armed forces. If we can do it for their infantry, we can do it for their air force, and to ell with wanting to see them what WE have when it is not what THEY need. Suck it up and just accept the builder's fee, BAE and all your equivalents around the world, Boeing!

[@luke_skywanker7643]

"Shoot 'n Scoot." They're doin' it right. Good hunting, guys!

[@normangraber1047]

Why was one of the rounds labeled "reduced charge"?

[@alanwoods2010]

The Ukranian soldier said that they did not have the original propellant to go along with the Soviet-era shells they had. Possibly a higher charge might have damaged the weapon?

[@paulm1365]

A “reduced charge” means there is than less than full capacity in the propulsion part of the ammo round. This results in lower range, but less barrel wear on the gun. A “full charge” means maximum range but the highest level of wear on the weapon. A typical NATO 155mm artillery piece is capable of between 1 to 8 levels of “charge”. I.e. eight levels of powder.

[@tsogobauggi8721]

1:59 Lol... what is that guy doing... ;)

[@bertnl530]

2:15 What is the meaning of these plates the men have at their back?

[@tsogobauggi8721]

It is insulation to keep him warm when he sits on a cold metal tank.

[@williamlebotschy2729]

Ukraine announced 2 weeks ago , that they have started manufacture of 152mm shells.

[@micumatrix]

Thought they also rebuild a ammunition factory in Romania…? If they still have the tools it’s cheaper to make ammunition for the 122 and 152 artillery. These artillery still have the numbers and are OK for laying a bomb carpet when bandits are thrown in the fire…

[@operator9858]

Dude...none of the stuff they ever talk about opens overnight. This will take YEARS to happen.

[@RatTerminator]

Best videos on Utube

[@stryngh]

Slava i peremoha Ukrayini!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@charlieharper4975]

Serbia makes a lot of AK-47 ammo. I suspect they could make good Russian mortar ammo as well.

[@spasjt]

May God continue to bless the Ukrainian fight for freedom!

[@operator9858]

If 'this' is what gods blessing looks like ill take the other guy thx.

[@earljohnson2676]

Like that old saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[@vicchairez6480]

Ahh the sounds of war ....be safe guys

[@moritamikamikara3879]

Start up the factories! I could do with a part time job!

[@operator9858]

Oh good, maybe they will be ready for you by 2025 lol

[@tellyboy17]

In its latest defense bill the US ordered nearly a million 155 shells to be delivered over multiple years reflecting the US production capacity. Even at low intensity Ukraine would burn through that in less than 6 months. Time is not on Ukraine's side.

[@Stephen-bq4nq]

The US is tripling their ammunition production of the 155mm and also contracting other companies overseas to make shells as well. They will still not be able to provide them with the volumes the Russians are firing I think at some point Ukraine will have to switch to any insurgency and stop these big static battles fighting from trenches they're handling themselves to the Russian artillery which is their main strength.

[@tellyboy17]

@@Stephen-bq4nq It's too little too late. As the West is running out of supplies to send Russia is mobilizing and shifting to war economy. David Davydov just reported about what amounts to collapsing moral as Ukraine passes laws to sanction soldiers that desert. Russia started this war unprepared and if the West had used that to supply Ukraine with the sort of weapons that could make a difference in an offensive Ukraine might have won but now that window of opportunity has closed.

[@alfonsdepalfons]

That will take a couple of years. Good luck.

[@marcuskopetzki481]

Heard the ammo runs out from experts since 5 months but no country sends 600 artillery guns and 100k shell's they send how much M777 or German howitzers? Only 1Iris t system for what? The need MBT and rounds tons of they can't stop Russia with small Arms

[@barbarajoyhuhtala3495]

So Ironic!

[@hcrun]

2:27 February? Does he mean November?

[@debsday5445]

What will they use next 🤔

[@rogerbrownreacts8528]

Pakistan will sell to anyone.

[@danekender5332]

Switch to all NATO Weaponry....

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

@@danekender5332 Not so simple. It can take weeks, months, even years to train troops on new weapon systems, which is why they're seaching the cupboards for the Soviet era stuff they are familiar with. We're talking about very expensive equipment to produce, and that's if the manufacturer has existing production lines tooled-up and manned, ready to go. If they do, then they probably have orders for other customers that they are obliged to fill before they can produce for Ukraine. Then there's the issue of who pays for it all.

[@danekender5332]

@Socially Distant How long have Ukrainian soldiers been training in the UK? You forget HIMARS and M777 training that took place. Moreover, how many soldiers are returning from the UK monthly with NATO tactical training and returning with a full kit?

[@Khronogi]

@@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry lend lease means ukraine pays for it

[@4T3hM4kr0n]

"Reduced charge" I hope they can read English and realize what propellant casing they are using.

[@pibblesnbits]

What does reduced charge mean? Thanks!

[@4T3hM4kr0n]

@@pibblesnbits less propellent in the charge than in a "full charge" meaning that the round will have less velocity and therefore range.

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

Modular components, hardened quick-release barrels, multi-bore systems should at least be combat tested in limited capacity till we get UA on full NATO spec equip

[@icshores82]

Gee. I wonder where they'll get the money for that.

[@scottlowman.1044]

Attrition, that's part of the deal.

[@Ratuwalis]

yes ..mantaaap

[@willbee6785]

Ukraine has become more than a sovereign country, it has become a beacon of freedom.

[@passbysimon3095]

I think they should change to western standard now for long time war and future.

[@hotwykinger6889]

my AI-System recomented Adapters for Nato STANAG 4425 Ammo to 122mm wich might either put around the shell or are permanent placed into the barrel...

[@briananthony4044]

There is no similar Nato shell, closest would be the 105 mm. Even naval shells are 127 mm or British 4.5, 115 mm but are very long. being heavier than the 5 inch, 127 mm shell. Perhaps the 152 can be relined, bored out to take Nato 155 mm shells.

[@hotwykinger6889]

@@briananthony4044 STANAG 4425 is a NATO-standard of an 105mm shell. The job of an adapter is to adapt it to 122mm.

[@fionaoliver7237]

So long as the shell fits the gun barrel-woo hoo,BOOM

[@dobriyranok7]

Millions of Ukrainians who are now seeking refuge in Europe can work at weapons factories there- it's a win situation for them, for Ukraine and for Europe

[@tominmtnvw]

And the filthy Rich Ukrainians who deserted their country and live on their luxury yachts, and France, can pay for the ammunition.

[@dobriyranok7]

@@tominmtnvw there are not so many of them, firstly, and secondly- yes, it's morally wrong, but do they break any laws (Ukrainian, French or international) by taking their own money and living in France, for example? if not- how to force them? Laws must be changed.

[@kelvinjames7578]

Very good Ukraine 👍😊