Estonian intelligence reports that Russia has significantly increased its ammunition production, suggesting preparations for potential conflicts beyond Ukraine.
Estonian intelligence officials have revealed that Russia has drastically ramped up production of military ammunition, signaling a potential readiness for new conflicts beyond its ongoing involvement in Ukraine. In 2025 alone, Russian factories produced over seven million artillery shells, mortar rounds, and rockets, a significant increase from 4.5 million in 2024. This escalation, marking a seventeenfold rise since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlights the Russian government's emphasis on military capabilities amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe.
According to the intelligence report, the structure of ammunition production in 2025 consisted of various types, with three million artillery shells (including howitzer munitions) being produced alongside mortar rounds and munitions for armored vehicles. Such figures not only point to Russia’s desire to bolster its military arsenal but also indicate a strategic shift towards preparing for potential future conflicts. The increased production capacity can be attributed to new manufacturing facilities that have been established to support the military's requirements.
Additionally, the report underscores Russia’s efforts not just in domestic production but also in the importation of ammunition to supplement its military supplies. This dual approach could reflect a comprehensive strategy to position itself as a formidable military power in the region, suggesting that Russian military ambitions may extend well beyond its current engagements, creating further concerns for neighboring countries and the international community as a whole.
