Gunpowder Shortage in French Ammunition Production
The French Ministry of Defense is facing a challenge in supplying gunpowder needed for the production of high-caliber ammunition for the Ukrainian Army. According to reports from French BFM TV, the required gunpowder is not readily available in Europe due to the abandonment of the gunpowder industry in the region.
In order to meet the demand for 155mm artillery ammunition needed by Ukraine, the French Ministry of Defense is taking steps to revive gunpowder production in the country. This initiative includes moving production from Sweden to the Eurenco facility in Bergerac, as part of France’s military programming law.
Eurenco, the successor of SNPE, has committed to investing 60 million euros to expand and modernize its factory for gunpowder production. The aim is to produce 1,200 tons of gunpowder in France to be used in Nexter’s Caesar guns.
This move is part of the artillery coalition announced by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, with the goal of meeting Ukraine’s ammunition needs promptly. Other means of supplying ammunition to Ukraine are being explored after the blockade of UAVs and ammunition from Turkey by France, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus.
Overall, efforts are being made to address the shortage of gunpowder and ensure the timely delivery of ammunition to support the Ukrainian Army in its defense efforts.
