Focus on ammunition and counter-battery reconnaissance: Artillery Coalition members discuss the needs of Ukraine’s Defence Forces

During an online meeting of the Artillery Coalition’s Steering Group, Deputy Ministers of Defence Lieutenant General Yevhen Moisiuk and Sergiy Boyev discussed the needs of Ukraine’s Defence Forces with Coalition partners, as well as the progress made in implementing the Coalition’s Roadmap, approved in January.

The Ukrainian delegation briefed representatives of the member states on the current battlefield situation and outlined priority areas for supporting the artillery and missile units of Ukraine’s Defence Forces. 

Critical needs include the supply of artillery ammunition, particularly 155 mm caliber rounds, counter-battery warfare and reconnaissance systems, as well as repair and maintenance services for artillery systems. At the same time, the Ukrainian side emphasized the importance of establishing specialized repair hubs within Ukraine to streamline logistics and significantly shorten repair timelines.

The meeting also included a discussion of matters related to the Coalition’s Roadmap implementation. It was determined that the document requires revision in light of changes to the operational combat environment and the ongoing reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine associated with the transition to a corps-based structure.

“Our needs outlined in the Roadmap are based on the critical requirement to support frontline units. In upcoming revisions of the Roadmap, we plan to incorporate all insights gained by the Ukrainian side from the Defence Forces’ operations this year, along with long-term planning considerations. At the same time, critical needs persist in artillery ammunition, developing long-range capabilities, and radar systems for counter-battery warfare,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Yevhen Moisiuk.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Defence Sergiy Boyev noted that the role of European countries in providing Ukraine with artillery capabilities is growing. Ukraine’s defense industry is also expanding its own capacities, particularly through the ‘Danish model.’ He underscored that consistent and reliable support for the Defence Forces’ capabilities is key to achieving a just and lasting peace.

“The aggressor has not abandoned its plans and is preparing to continue the war. Therefore, Ukraine must maintain a robust arsenal of deterrence. Support for Ukraine must persist, which means that the role of the Capability Coalitions will only continue to grow,” the Deputy Minister noted.

Reference information

The Artillery Coalition was launched in January 2024. It is one of eight Coalitions established to provide military aid tailored to the needs of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. The Coalition, which is jointly led by France and the United States, consists of 13 more nations: Belgium, the United Kingdom, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Turkey, and Sweden.