Czech arms program becomes key source of ammo for Ukraine, NATO says

The Czech initiative, a program designed to procure weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces on international markets, has uncovered far more ammunition than originally anticipated, a NATO military official revealed to journalists on condition of anonymity.

The official, speaking at NATO headquarters, emphasized that the initiative—operating since 2024—has become a critical source of ammunition for Ukraine. While the program’s continuation was briefly uncertain following a change in the Czech government, Prague has affirmed it will maintain its coordination, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“The Czech initiative is still active. There have been political statements at the highest level confirming that they will continue to coordinate this work,” the NATO general noted.

The official added that the Czech side has identified ammunition on the market valued at approximately €16 billion, while planned deliveries to Ukraine amount to at least €5 billion. Purchases are funded through contributions from partner nations, with financial commitments accumulating rapidly: €1.4 billion has already been pledged for 2026, even though January has just ended.

NATO further clarified that the initiative involves hundreds of thousands of large-caliber shells. The alliance emphasized that its reporting focuses on financial commitments rather than exact quantities.

“I won’t provide a precise number, but I can say we are talking about hundreds of thousands of large-caliber shells,” the official said.

The Czech initiative continues to play a pivotal role in sustaining Ukraine’s ammunition supply, highlighting the strategic importance of coordinated international support for the country’s defense efforts.

By Vafa Guliyeva