Europe's lack of plan jeopardizes Ukrainian supplies, rocket launcher maker warns

A Ukrainian soldier carries an NLAW anti-tank missile launcher developed by Saab. Photo: SERGEY SUPINSKY/AFP

Arms deliveries to Ukraine risk stalling if Europe does not work out a pan-continental plan for arming the front, a senior defense chief has warned.

Michael Johansson, Saab executive director, designer of the successful NLAW-tank Killer Missile, said cooperation is needed to prevent bottlenecks and delays after a surge in orders.

“We need governments to intervene now” to ensure the security of supply,” he said.

Mr Johansson said: “There is an ecosystem here when it comes to who can produce this amount of explosives and gunpowder.»

«Some kind of collaboration is needed on how we can improve the ecosystem to support us and the European markets in the future. And I think that in doing so, we should create a kind of risk sharing between countries, governments and industry.”

Countries are now making their own cautious orders, and demand for weapons like the NLAW is «exploding.» «, he said. Orders for sensors, radar and air defense systems have also risen.

Mr. Johansson's company, Sweden's largest defense firm, has ramped up production, but he warned that common components such as gunpowder and explosives for rockets are in high demand due to limited production sites.

No coordination. the flow of orders can create bottlenecks that unexpectedly slow down or temporarily stop deliveries to Ukraine.

NLAW anti-tank weapons have proven their effectiveness. be highly effective on the battlefield in Ukraine

Mr Johansson said that the demand for ammunition will be «long-term growth» and European countries should plan accordingly.

Orders for Saab products doubled to SEK 17bn in the first three months of the year, led by demand for NLAWs being built in Belfast. Ukraine has thousands of munitions.

The UK has ordered more rounds and has also sent a letter of intent to BAE Systems, the UK's largest defense company, signaling new orders are on the way.

Exactly how many done now or how much will be produced after the expansion is a secret.

In September, The Telegraph reported that Ukrainian officials were scouring the UK for foundries to make artillery shells as they look to expand production capacity.

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>It is believed that NATO 155-mm howitzer shells are in the greatest demand. BAE currently manufactures shells at its Washington plant in the North East of England before they are loaded and assembled at Glascoed in Wales.