The Silent Powerhouse: 155mm Artillery Shells and Their Crucial Role in Modern Warfare
In the heart of Pennsylvania, a factory hums with ceaseless activity, churning out 11,000 steel shells every month. These are not just any shells; they are 155mm rounds, the backbone of artillery warfare, and a lifeline for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
The Rise of Artillery
When the war began, air power was expected to be the key to victory. Russia’s military aircraft outnumbered Ukraine’s ten to one. However, Ukraine found ways to shoot down Russia’s warplanes and defend against missile attacks. The focus then shifted to artillery strikes, and Ukraine’s need for 155mm rounds became paramount.
The Importance of 155mm Rounds
155mm rounds are the perfect balance between power and weight. Fired from howitzers, these shells can travel up to 20 miles and explode on impact, sending deadly shrapnel in all directions. They are small enough to be practical but powerful enough to cause serious damage. Unlike expensive weapons like Javelin anti-tank missiles, which can cost as much as $78,000, these shells sell for as little as $800.
The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant
The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant has been making steel shells since 1953. Today, the U.S. is producing 24,000 a month, almost double what it was making before Russia invaded Ukraine. The entire process, from shaping the steel rods to painting the finished shells, takes about three days. The shells are then transported to another factory, where TNT is added, making them ready for the battlefield.
A History of Success
155s have been used by the U.S. and its allies since World War I. They were small enough to hit targets up to seven miles away but packed enough power to penetrate enemy trenches. After World War II, 155mm became the standard artillery size for NATO countries. Today, the U.S. even has rounds equipped with GPS guidance systems that cost over $100,000 per shell.
The Global Shortage
The demand for 155mm rounds has led to a global shortage. Some experts are concerned that the U.S. is depleting its stockpile. The U.S. has sent more than 2 million 155mm rounds to Ukraine, mostly from its own reserves. The scale of the demand versus American capacity to build is very different, leading to concerns that the stockpile could be running low.
The Controversy of Cluster Bombs
In July 2023, the U.S. announced its decision to send Ukraine a controversial type of 155 equipped with cluster bombs. These rounds are banned in over 120 countries because the bomblets sometimes fail to explode on impact and harm civilians who find them later. The U.S. has already sent thousands to Ukraine, sparking debate and concern.
The Future of Artillery Warfare
The U.S. Army has spent billions updating its factories to make more 155s, aiming to make 85,000 shells per month by 2028. However, it could still take years to refill the stockpile. The process requires hiring people, procuring more steel, expanding factory space, and following safety requirements.
The 155mm rounds remain a crucial part of Ukraine’s military strategy. The lack of ammunition is cited as a factor slowing down Ukraine’s military progress. The U.S. Army’s goals for increasing its 155 output are on pace, and that’s good news for Ukraine.
Conclusion
The 155mm artillery shells, once considered a relic of past wars, have emerged as a silent powerhouse in modern warfare. Their role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscores their importance and the need for a strategic approach to their production and deployment.
