The Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has launched the licensed production of large-caliber ammunition in Ukraine. The production is carried out through CSG’s ukrainian partner, Ukrajinska Bronetechnika (Ukrainian Armor), which has been granted a license, production know-how, and key components by CSG. The project marks another milestone in the long-term cooperation between the Czech and Ukrainian defense industries and significantly strengthens Ukraine’s ability to supply part of its artillery ammunition from domestic production.
“We are proud to be one of the first Western companies to successfully transfer large-caliber ammunition production to Ukraine,” said David Chour, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSG.
“CSG does not own any factory or production technology in Ukraine. All of this is managed by our partner, to whom we transferred the license and provided the necessary know-how, as they already had the required production technology and could start production relatively quickly,” said Andrej Čírtek, CSG spokesperson. “Our group does not determine pricing policy or customer selection. We benefit from the project through license fees and the supply of critical components such as propellant charges, fuzes, and initiators.”
The Ukrainian partner produces shell bodies locally and carries out filling, final assembly, and testing. CSG continues to supply components with high technological value and provides technical support to ensure product quality and full compatibility with CSG’s manufacturing documentation.
According to CSG, the main reason for choosing a licensing model was to accelerate the localization of production. “When analyzing the legal framework for establishing a potential joint venture, we encountered complex Ukrainian regulations and compatibility issues with Czech law. Transferring the license proved to be a much simpler and faster solution,” Čírtek added.
The initial production capacity is 100,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition and 50,000 rounds of 105 mm ammunition per year. The capacity is expected to increase several times over the coming years. Initially, half of the production will be localized in Ukraine, with the goal of reaching 80 percent self-sufficiency. During the project’s implementation, the production of fuze components will also gradually be transferred to Ukraine.
The project is groundbreaking for Ukraine, which for the first time produces large-caliber ammunition under a foreign license.
“This cooperation is a significant step toward strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and diversifying its supply sources. Every single piece of ammunition produced is vital for the country’s defense,” said Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor.
For CSG, the licensing project represents a strategic move to reinforce its long-term position within the Ukrainian defense industry, while complementing its activities under the Czech Ammunition Initiative, which remains the main channel for supplying large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine, financed by an international donor coalition.
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