Eastern Europe's arms industry is churning out guns, artillery shells and other military supplies at a pace not seen since the Cold War as governments in the region lead efforts to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia
Allies have been supplying Kyiv with weapons and military equipment since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, depleting their own inventories along the way.
"Taking into account the realities of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the visible attitude of many countries aimed at increased spending in the field of defence budgets, there is a real chance to enter new markets and increase export revenues in the coming years," said Sebastian Chwalek, CEO of Poland's PGZ.
Immediately after Russia's attack some eastern European militaries and manufacturers began emptying their warehouses of Soviet-era weapons and ammunition that Ukrainians were familiar with, as Kyiv waited for NATO-standard equipment from the West. Companies and officials who spoke to Reuters declined to give specific details of military supplies to Ukraine, and some did not want to be identified, citing security and commercial sensitivities.Eastern Europe's arms industry dates back to the 19th Century, when Czech Emil Skoda began manufacturing weapons for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union and NATO's expansion into the region pushed companies to modernise, but "they can still quickly produce things like ammunition that fits the Soviet systems", said Siemon Wezeman, a researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Israel lobbies allies with intel on Iranian arms transfers to RussiaScoop: Israel lobbies allies with intel on Iranian arms transfers to Russia
Les mer »
Ceasefire in eastern DRC to begin from FridayAfrican leaders declare a cessation of hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo starting Friday, after holding talks in Angola
Les mer »
'All hands are on deck' as refugees from Ukraine landing in SaskatoonSince Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Saskatchewan has become home to upwards of 3,000 displaced Ukrainians.
Les mer »
First Thanksgiving meal for Ukrainian refugees in LA is filled with gratitudeUkrainian refugees in LA, though bittersweet, celebrate Thanksgiving and hope Ukraine can have such a day.
Les mer »
US sending Ukraine $400 million in ammunition, generatorsThe United States is sending another $400 million in ammunition and generators to Ukraine. us ukraine russia kprc2 click2houston
Les mer »