Under a contract signed in July 2024 for the purchase of 54 South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, Romania is expected to receive the first 18 units in 2027. Naturally, by then, the country’s industry must have stockpiled a sufficient quantity of 155mm shells — at least 17,000 rounds are being discussed at this stage.
However, an unexpected debate has emerged within Romania over how long it will take to launch domestic production of these 155mm artillery shells — the previously assumed timeline of 1.5 years or the newly suggested 6 months, as claimed by some government officials.
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According to the Romanian defense outlet Defense Romania, Minister of Economy Bogdan Ivan stated that local production of 155mm shells could begin within six months, meaning sometime in 2025. He did not provide technical details to support this timeline but emphasized that production would take place at facilities near the towns of Plopeni and Dragomirești.
In contrast, the same publication quotes Constantin Bucuroaia, President of the Alliance of Defense Industry Trade Unions, who argued that "if we start working on it right now, we might manage it in 1.5 years — not earlier."
Another assessment came from representatives of the Romanian ROMARM state-owned defense company, who noted that they have yet to receive the necessary technological solutions. But once those are available, they claim that it would also take them about six months to launch production.
Despite diverging opinions on timing, all voices agree on the urgency of developing local 155mm shell production — especially in light of Ukraine’s experience in full-scale war with russia. The main difference lies in the timeline. It appears that parts of Romania’s state sector are confident they can overcome technological hurdles faster than expected.
Defense Express would also like to point out that back in March 2025, when Romania was already producing up to 55 million rounds of small-caliber ammunition annually, the estimated timeline for launching 155mm shell production was mid-2026 — the same 1.5 years. The current "acceleration" in projections has only emerged over the past month.
Read more: Romania Produces 55 Million Rounds Annually, Is Now Launching 155-mm Shell Production
