Evaluation of 155mm Ammunition Replenishment
(U) The U.S. has burned through a large share of its 155mm artillery ammunition stockpiles as a result of over committing to Ukraine since 2022. Demand has outstripped US production capacity and unless drastic measures are applied, it will take years to rebuild reserves. This shortage leaves U.S. forces less prepared for other conflicts and puts strain on NATO allies, who face similar challenges.
In this rudimentary analysis, I provide a cursory review of the problem, explain the “so what” and conclude with a recommendation for DoD to enact moving forward. This no frills analysis avoids technical explanations and acquisition jargon in an effort to quickly define the problem and devise a strategy.
Courses of Action (COAs):
The U.S. has a few different paths it can take to fix the shortage of 155mm ammunition. One option is to simply build more at home by putting more money into American factories, hiring more workers, and upgrading plants so they can run faster and safer. This can be enabled through the use of the Defense Production Act (DPA), Title III. Another option is to team up more closely with allies, sharing the workload and even buying raw materials together to keep costs down and avoid supply shortages. A third approach is to be smarter with how the shells are used—leaning more on precision-guided rounds, training with smaller calibers when possible, and refurbishing older stockpiles so we don’t have to rely entirely on brand-new production. Finally, there’s the long-term path of investing in new technology, like robotics for faster production or alternative explosives that reduce dependence on single suppliers.
Recommendation(s):
The best solution is a mix of these approaches. The U.S. should expand its own production capacity while also working hand-in-hand with allies to share the burden. At the same time, it makes sense to take pressure off the system by being smarter with how shells are used and refurbished. And to ensure this problem doesn’t repeat in the future, the DoD should keep investing in new technologies and safer, more efficient production methods. In short: make more, share more, use smarter, and prepare better.
In summary:
No single option will suffice, an eclectic approach involves:
Ramping up production leveraging the Defense Production Act
Coordinating with Allies
a. Splitting up tasks, i.e. US produces bodies, allies produce fuzes
Use current 155mm stocks more wisely
a. substitute 155mm shells with 105mm shells for training
b. apply the use of 155mm more broadly, considering all allies, allies that can assist with production
Invest in new technologies such as robotics and automation at factories to speed up production
