Bruegel independent think tank, based in Brussels, has published a report on the current state of arms production in Western countries.
The most interesting part of this document is the analysis from the mentioned center. Their calculations, based on data from open sources, estimate the cost and production rate of the Ukrainian Bohdana self-propelled howitzer and other artillery systems. At the same time, they provide cost estimates for some tanks.
Read more: Canada Delivers NASAMS to Ukraine, Promised in 2023
Such calculations are highly practical, as they clearly highlight production efficiency in certain countries and the challenges they face.
According to Bruegel, the German PzH 2000 and RCH 155 howitzers have the highest costs, with estimated prices of 17 million euros and 11.08 million euros, respectively.
The infographic below shows a strong correlation between the annual production volume and the current value of a particular howitzer. At the same time, such a correlation seems to be most optimal in the case of Ukrainian Bohdana howitzer, where the estimated cost is 2.3 million euros and the production volume is more than 150 units per year.
As for French CAESAR self-propelled howitzer, the figures are estimated at 6 million euros and up to 80 units, respectively.
The cost of American M109 and russian Msta-S howitzers looks extremely low. The authors of the report do not provide any clarifications. Therefore, we can only assume that in this case, the approximate cost of restoring and modernizing these howitzers is being referred to.
The additional table on the cost of some tanks, also cited in the text of this report, raises some questions. It is not entirely clear on what basis the models were selected to compare the cost indicator. There are also questions about price.
Speaking of the Abrams tank, its price can be considered relevant at $44 million per unit.
However, the authors of the report rightly outline the trend that the slow scaling of arms production in Western countries leads to high costs and slow production rates.
Earlier Defense Express reported that Ukrainian assault regiment had shown its Alakran self-propelled mortar from Spain.
Read more: USA Wants to Turn an Anti-Radar Missile Into Anti-Iskander Weapon
