Czech Arms Giant Excalibur Opens Ukraine Office to Co-Produce NATO Ammo

Czech defense manufacturer Excalibur Army, one of the largest suppliers of weapons to Ukraine, has officially opened a local office in the country, according to a post on X by their parent company Czechoslovak Group on July 8.

The move is aimed at deepening technical cooperation and launching joint production of NATO-standard artillery ammunition in partnership with Ukrainian Armor. 

According to the company’s press service, the new Ukrainian branch will handle orders, technical consultations, and documentation. However, the centerpiece of its operations will be the co-production of artillery shells—specifically 155mm and 105mm rounds—alongside its Ukrainian partner.

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While the joint ammunition production project has been in the works for some time, its implementation has been delayed by the lack of a formal state procurement order from the Ukrainian government. The new Excalibur Army office could help accelerate progress and push the launch of manufacturing lines as early as this year.

Initial plans call for 50% localization of the production process, including the loading of explosives. This share is expected to increase to 80% over time.

Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor, said his company is ready to supply over 100,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition and 50,000 rounds of 105mm once a government order is issued. He emphasized that beyond production figures, the project would create jobs for Ukrainian engineers, boost the domestic defense industry, and help strengthen Ukraine’s wartime economy.

According to earlier projections, joint production could reach 100,000 shells in 2025 and grow to 300,000 in 2026. Excalibur Army has also signaled interest in further cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfers.

The opening of a permanent Czech defense presence in Ukraine is expected to expand opportunities for broader defense collaboration, including in the fields of armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery systems, and multiple-launch rocket systems—all of which are part of Excalibur Army’s portfolio.

For now, the next step hinges on Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, which must approve and include the ammunition in its formal procurement plans. It remains to be seen whether Czech involvement will help streamline the necessary mechanisms to facilitate defense acquisitions and speed up domestic production.

Previously, Czech President stated in an interview that the west must simultaneously support Ukraine militarily while ramping up pressure on Russia.

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