A Ukrainian office of the Czech defense company Excalibur Army has officially opened, marking a significant step in launching joint production of NATO-standard artillery ammunition in Ukraine. The company remains one of the largest arms suppliers to Ukraine since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion.
According to Excalibur Army’s press service, the new representative office will handle orders, provide technical consultations, and manage documentation.
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However, its central mission will be to initiate local manufacturing of artillery shells — specifically 155mm and 105mm calibers — in partnership with the Ukrainian defense firm Ukrainian Armor.
Initial plans aim for 50% localization, including explosive filling of shells, with ambitions to raise that to 80% in the future. This move not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also contributes to economic resilience during wartime by creating jobs for local engineers and reviving the domestic arms industry.
According to Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor, the company is ready to deliver over 100,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition and 50,000 rounds of 105mm once a state contract is secured. He emphasized that beyond the numbers, the project also fosters industrial development and national self-reliance.
Previous reports suggested that the joint venture would produce 100,000 shells in 2025 and scale up to 300,000 in 2026. Excalibur Army also expressed interest in expanding cooperation further — including technology transfers, knowledge sharing, and future production of armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, and MLRS systems.
For now, the ball is in the court of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, which must include the ammunition in official procurement plans. However, Czech involvement may help facilitate the necessary agreements and strengthen Ukraine’s defense procurement mechanisms.
This partnership highlights how international defense collaboration can support Ukraine’s long-term security while building sustainable local capacity — a critical need amid an ongoing full-scale war.
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