Ukraine's defense industry appears to have launched production of artillery shell bodies across almost all calibers, including both Soviet-standard 152 mm and 122 mm, and NATO-standard 155 mm and 105 mm.
This is evidenced by the information presented at the IDEF-2025 exhibition in Turkey by the Ukrainian SpetsTechnoExport enterprise. This company is a "special exporter", i.e. it usually represents products of other Ukrainian defense companies.
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It can be assumed that if shell body production is underway, the munitions are intended for the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Supporting this assumption, there are photos showing 155 mm, 122 mm, and 152 mm artillery shells.
To be more specific, Ukraine produces bodies for two types of 155-mm high-explosive fragmentation munitions. Specifically, this refers to the conventional M107M1 and the long-range M795 projectiles.
As for the Soviet shells, there are 152-mm and 122-mm high-explosive fragmentation munitions. The name is not specified, but it is noted that they are used with D-20 and D-30 towed howitzers.
While the aforementioned products have already been spotted at the front, the appearance of 105-mm high-explosive artillery shells was a surprise. Although plans to launch their production had been reported earlier, the start of production was not publicly known.
Among the guns, the expected M102 and L118 appear alongside an unknown 105 SB. The only known mention of the 105 SB is tied to a Rheinmetall smoothbore gun project meant for tanks.
The exhibition also showcased shell bodies for mortar rounds of 81 mm, 82 mm, and 120 mm calibers. The latter are available in two variants: steel and cast iron. These munitions have been observed in use by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
The size, cost, and destructive power of a munition depend on the materials used. Steel is usually used as a reliable choice with a higher explosive effect, while cast iron provides more fragmentation.
A shell body for a 60 mm mortar round was also presented, the serial production of which had been known earlier. It should be noted that Ukrainian Armor has developed an FPV drone based on such ammunition.
The list ends with a 125-mm high-explosive fragmentation shell designed for use in Soviet and post-Soviet tank guns. The start of their production has long been known.
This raises the question of why only shell bodies are offered, rather than complete ammunition. Ukraine still does not manufacture the explosives required to fill the shells, and imported explosives are in global short supply.
It should also be noted that different types of explosives can be used in the ammunition depending on the situation and customer needs. However, this will have a serious impact on the performance of the ammunition.
While the presentation of shell bodies does not necessarily confirm full-scale production, the presence of most of these munitions on the front lines suggests that all are likely in use.
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