Czech Republic becomes one of Ukraine’s top three ammunition suppliers

The Czech Ministry of Defense announced this following a meeting of the country's defense industry representatives, Ukrinform reports.

In 2024, the Czech Republic delivered approximately 1.5 million artillery shells to Ukraine, including 500,000 155mm shells, primarily as part of the Czech Initiative.

“This places us, the Czech Republic, among Ukraine’s key ammunition suppliers, alongside the U.S. and the U.K.,” said Defense Minister Jana Černochová.

She noted that exports of military equipment to Ukraine increased by at least a third last year, marking a record high.

Černochová and Prime Minister Petr Fiala met with Czech defense industry representatives to discuss support for Ukraine, army modernization, and government backing for the defense sector. The meeting coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Fiala emphasized the significant role Czech arms manufacturers play in aiding Ukraine.

“Over the three years of war, Ukraine has become one of the primary markets for Czech defense companies,” said Fiala.

He added that tens of thousands of large-caliber shells have been supplied to Ukraine in recent months. This year, the Czech Republic will continue deliveries, funded both by its own resources and contributions from Canada, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Černochová further noted that partner contributions have already reached hundreds of millions of euros.

Early last year, the Czech Prime Minister and President proposed an initiative where the country would procure ammunition for Ukraine from non-EU sources, with the EU financing the purchases.