The Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant (KZVV), a part of NAUDI and known as the manufacturer of the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer, has begun producing medium- and large-caliber gun barrels. This includes a wide range of products, from 25 mm to 203 mm.
A company representative discussed this in an interview with Oboronka. According to him, production is limited to government orders, and the plant currently manufactures barrels in the following calibers: 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 105 mm, 122 mm, and 155 mm.
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KZVV actively collaborates with 105 European companies, including industry giants such as Rheinmetall, KNDS, Leonardo, and BAE Systems. The Ukrainian manufacturer emphasizes that it does not copy products but instead enters into licensing agreements.
The interview also provides further details about KZVV's collaboration with the British company BAE Systems, which orders gun barrels from KZVV for the M777, AS-90, L119, FH-70, Krab, and Archer artillery systems. This is partly due to the large number of BAE Systems-manufactured weapons in Ukraine’s arsenal.
From Defense Express we would like to note that this reflects the significant growth of Ukraine's arms manufacturing industry. Just 10 years ago, Ukraine's defense industry had no artillery production capabilities. Today, it can manufacture barrels for modern foreign systems and produce domestic equivalents.
This is not limited to 155 mm systems such as the Bohdana, M777, AS-90, Krab, Archer, and FH-70. According to the information available, KZVV is responsible for establishing local production of the 105 mm L119 light howitzer.
It can also be assumed that the Ukrainian company is the partner to which BAE Systems shipped the first artillery barrel blanks produced in the UK in many years. However, the other companies mentioned by Oboronka suggest that KZVV may also be involved in the production of the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer.
Therefore, Ukraine has a manufacturer with the expertise and capabilities to carry out a wide range of artillery projects. This represents a highly valuable industrial capability that is by no means available in every country.
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