EU Commissioner Warns Russia Outproducing EU in Missiles, Artillery Shells
Andrius Kubilius tells European Parliament Russia produces 1,100 cruise missiles annually vs EU's 300, 4 million artillery shells vs EU's 2 million
Quick Look
- European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius revealed at a European Parliament hearing that Russia significantly outproduces the EU in military production.
- Russia produces 1,100 cruise missiles annually compared to the EU's 300, 900 ballistic missiles versus the EU's zero, and 4 million artillery shells versus the EU's 2 million.
- Kubilius called these figures 'a big challenge' and stated the EU must increase weapons production to deter Russia.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The hearing focused on EU defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Kubilius presented comparative production figures to highlight the need for increased European weapons manufacturing.
BRUSSELS, April 20. /TASS/. Russia produces twice as many artillery shells as all EU countries combined and nearly four times as many cruise missiles, according to estimates given by European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius during a hearing at the European Parliament. "Russia is still outproducing us. Last year, annual production of cruise missiles: Russia – 1,100, the European Union – 300. Annual production of ballistic missiles: Russia – 900, European Union – 0. Annual production of artillery munition: Russia – 4 million, European Union – 2 million," Kubilius reported, pointing out that these figures are allegedly "publicly available." He described these numbers as "a big challenge" and stated that the EU must start producing more weapons if it wants to "deter Russia."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
EU will likely announce increased defense production initiatives in coming months
Likely · Within months
EU ballistic missile production program may be initiated
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How will the EU address the production gap
- What specific measures is the EU planning to increase weapons production
- When might EU ballistic missile production begin
