German defense minister points to Russia's superiority over EU in shell production

The Russian defense-industrial complex (DIC) produces as many shells in three months as all European Union (EU) countries do in a year. This was stated by Boris Pistorius, head of the German Defense Ministry, at a German Social Democratic Party (SPD) event in the city of Arnsberg on November 24.

"Our security is a fragile asset. <...> Russia produces as many weapons and ammunition in three months as the entire European Union does in a year. <...> Germany must accelerate and invest more in its military capabilities," the minister said, his words quoted by NTV television channel.

Pistorius indicated that in the new government wants to retain the post of head of the Ministry of Defense and supports the re-election of incumbent German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Earlier, on June 14, the head of the KNDS arms concern Frank Haun said that Germany has about 300 combat-ready tanks left and in case of conflict the country will be able to defend, for example, Augsburg, but Munich or Berlin - no longer. Haun added that the Bundeswehr had signed a framework contract with KNDS for the production of 123 tanks, but the army had actually ordered only 18.

The British TV channel Sky News, citing an analysis by the international consulting company Bain & Company, reported on May 26 that Russia produces artillery shells three times faster and four times cheaper than Western countries. Thus, the average cost of manufacturing one 155-millimeter NATO standard shell is about $4,000, while the production of one 152-millimeter shell in Russia requires only about $1,000.