155 mm shells France supply to Ukraine

 155mm Shells and France’s Supply to Ukraine.

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I. Introduction: The Role of 155mm Shells in Modern Warfare

155mm artillery shells are among the most widely used and powerful conventional artillery munitions in modern warfare. These high-explosive shells are central to the firepower of NATO-standard howitzers such as the French CAESAR, the U.S. M777, and the German PzH 2000. Their importance in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war cannot be overstated, especially as both sides engage in prolonged trench and artillery battles.

In this context, France has played a crucial role by supplying Ukraine with both CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and a growing number of 155mm shells. This report elaborates on the significance, features, types, logistics, and impact of these shells, focusing especially on France's contribution to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

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II. Technical Overview of 155mm Artillery Shells

1. Basic Characteristics

Caliber: 155 millimeters

Weight: ~40–50 kg (depending on type)

Range: 18 to 40+ km (standard), up to 70 km (with rocket assistance)

Rate of Fire: ~2–5 rounds per minute (depending on the howitzer system)

Lethality Radius: 50–150 meters (fragmentation)

2. Components

Projectile: High-explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, or guided

Fuze: Proximity, impact, or programmable

Charge: Modular propellant or bagged charges

Shell casing: Steel with fragmentation design

3. Types of 155mm Shells

HE (High Explosive) – Most common; used for general bombardment.

Smoke – For concealment or signaling.

Illumination – For night or poor-visibility operations.

Bonus – French-made smart shells carrying anti-armor submunitions.

Excalibur – U.S.-made precision-guided shells (not French, but Ukraine has received them too).

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III. France’s Involvement: Supplying Ukraine with 155mm Shells

1. Initial French Aid (2022)

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, France began supplying Ukraine with:

CAESAR self-propelled howitzers (initially 18 units)

Tens of thousands of 155mm rounds to accompany these systems

2. Expansion of Ammunition Supplies

In 2023 and 2024, France:

Committed to providing over 100,000 shells through joint EU procurement and national efforts

Accelerated production under pressure from Ukraine’s military needs

Partnered with companies like Nexter Systems (a KNDS-France entity) for rapid output

3. French-German Artillery Shell Initiative (2024)

France and Germany jointly agreed to manufacture and deliver several hundred thousand shells under the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS)

The goal was to deliver 1 million 155mm shells to Ukraine by 2024–25 (a NATO-EU target), with France contributing a significant share

4. 2025 Contributions

By May 2025, France had delivered or pledged:

Over 200,000 shells

Ongoing monthly production and dispatch of thousands of shells to Ukraine

Aid packages worth billions of euros, partly covering logistics and training

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IV. Production, Cost, and Challenges

1. Manufacturing Companies

Nexter Systems (KNDS) – Key French artillery shell producer

EURENCO – Provides propellant and energetic materials

Roxel & Thales – Contribute to fuzes and electronics

2. Production Rates

As of 2024–2025, France increased production to 15,000–20,000 shells per month

Under emergency defense measures, France allowed:

Round-the-clock factory shifts

Streamlined procurement processes

Faster certification of new shell variants

3. Cost Per Shell

Basic HE 155mm shell: €3,000–€5,000

Guided munitions like BONUS: €35,000–€50,000

Smart shells (e.g., Strix or Excalibur, if included): €80,000+

4. Logistics and Delivery

Shells shipped by rail, truck, or air via Poland or Romania

Ammunition is matched with training and maintenance support for CAESAR units

Strict NATO-level monitoring to ensure battlefield use only

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V. Tactical Use of 155mm Shells in Ukraine

1. Battlefield Roles

Suppress enemy artillery: Counter-battery fire against Russian guns

Breakthrough support: Softening enemy trenches and bunkers before infantry advance

Defensive fire: Preventing Russian assaults by creating kill zones

Interdiction: Targeting Russian logistics nodes, bridges, and HQs

2. Ukrainian Use with French CAESARs

Shoot-and-scoot tactics: Fire quickly and relocate to avoid counter-fire

GPS and drone spotting: Improves accuracy and kill effectiveness

CAESARs + 155mm helped in Kherson, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka operations

3. Efficiency Against Russian Forces

Ukrainian crews report 80–90% accuracy with guided 155mm shells

BONUS rounds used effectively against Russian tanks and IFVs

155mm shells helped destroy Russian artillery in counter-battery duels

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VI. Strategic and Political Implications

1. France’s Global Defense Posture

France is positioning itself as a leading European arms supplier

Enhances French geopolitical influence and ties with Eastern Europe

Reinforces NATO solidarity

2. Dependence on Western Ammunition

Ukraine consumes 4,000–7,000 shells per day during heavy fighting

Russia sometimes fires 10,000+ rounds per day

Without Western supplies, Ukraine would risk severe ammunition shortages

3. Deterrence and Escalation

France's supply of artillery is a measured escalation—less provocative than tanks or jets

However, increased shell use has caused supply chain strain and debate on domestic military readiness

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VII. Future Prospects and Innovations

1. Upcoming Technologies

Autonomous artillery shells (in R&D by KNDS)

Extended Range shells (ERFB base bleed, rocket-assisted)

Fused AI targeting systems for real-time fire correction

2. French-EU Stockpile Rebuilding

France and NATO allies are rebuilding national stockpiles

New EU plans call for €10+ billion investment in ammunition factories

Private sector incentives are being created for long-term stability

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VIII. Criticisms and Challenges

1. Logistics & Infrastructure

Ukraine has faced issues transporting and storing large shell volumes safely

Supply bottlenecks occasionally delay frontline availability

2. Environmental Impact

155mm shell explosions cause severe soil degradation and metal pollution

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a long-term danger

3. Cost vs. Impact

Critics argue that shell attrition warfare drains billions with slow strategic gains

Some experts push for more precision-guided munitions over quantity

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IX. Conclusion

The 155mm artillery shell is not merely a weapon—it is a symbol of industrial strength, strategic deterrence, and international alliances. France’s sustained delivery of these shells to Ukraine has significantly empowered Kyiv’s ability to resist Russian aggression, particularly in artillery-centric combat. With ongoing modernization, increasing production, and NATO coordination, 155mm shells will remain a cornerstone of Ukraine’s battlefield resilience.

However, the cost, logistics, and risks associated with large-scale shell warfare necessitate continuous innovation, strategy, and international cooperation. As France and its allies ramp up their efforts, the future of Ukraine’s military defense—and potentially the broader balance in Eastern Europe—will hinge in part on the humble but deadly 155mm shell.