Yaakov C Lui-Hyden
1 min readMay 15, 2023

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oh the ammunition situation is very real. It was what stopped the Ukrainians routing the Russians at Kherson. They got the territory but had to hold back from engaging the enemy and had to let it escape.

Stinger manpads- not produced since 2008

Javelin - 60000 given to Ukraine, 3000 produced per year.

Even Storm shadow- UK promises hundreds but has less than 1000 in stock

Even the shells for artillery have to be conserved which is why Ukraine has been firing them at a fraction of the pace of the Russians. It was about 10% when the Russians were firing 60000 a day but the Russians have dropped off considerably- they can only produce 20000 a month domestically which is why they have been asking North Korea and others for help.

Ukraine had a massive advantage in that the European army always planned but was never implemented. Thus you have 20 countries with armies doing nothing and stockpiles of weapons they can easily hand out. Likewise the US always had plenty in reserve for when required. But the need for ammunition is a very real problem for both sides- fortunately the Russian problem is more acute but we do need to do more.

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Yaakov C Lui-Hyden
Yaakov C Lui-Hyden

Written by Yaakov C Lui-Hyden

Yaakov is a world traveller and is accused of being an Australian. Published several novels. He writes about travel, writing, geopolitics and trading.

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