Russia expands defence industry, increasing production of tanks, artillery

On September 9, the German-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy released a report indicating that Russia has markedly expanded its defence industrial base (DIB) since 2022.

The institute's findings suggest that depleting weaponry and equipment stockpiles may not substantially impact future Russian DIB output, Caliber.Az reports, citing a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Between late 2022 and mid-2024, Russia has ramped up tank production by 215%, from 123 to 387 units per quarter; armoured vehicle production by 141%, from 585 to 1,409 per quarter; and artillery gun production by 149%, from 45 to 112 per quarter.

Production of short-range air defence systems surged by 200%, from nine to 38 per quarter, while medium- and long-range air defence systems increased by 100%, from six to 12 per quarter.

Notably, the production of Lancet loitering munitions skyrocketed by 475%, from 93 to 535 per quarter.

The Kiel Institute noted that 80% of Russia's current armoured vehicle and tank production stems from retrofitting existing hulls rather than manufacturing new ones. Despite this, the report cautioned that the depletion of stockpiles may not significantly reduce production rates.

The institute predicts a potential decrease in armoured vehicle production starting in 2026 as Soviet-era stockpiles are exhausted, but anticipates Russia will likely establish new production lines to counteract this trend.

It is estimated that Russia will produce around 350 modern tanks annually post-2026, assuming no additional production lines are opened.

Additionally, the report highlighted efforts by Russia to boost domestic production of 'rear systems' such as artillery and air defence, aiming to lessen dependence on existing stockpiles. The Kiel Institute also credited North Korean ammunition supplies for contributing to a substantial oversupply of artillery shells, with Russian forces reportedly firing 10,000 shells per day.