This may be of use regarding EU arms production – in this sector, as in every aspect of policy, barring confiscation of CBR assets which even the EU know would be a disaster, the EU is, very purposefully, following in the footsteps of the US
This author has also written on drone warfare in the Ukraine war, stating that – in the absence of alternative arms- the Ukraine has developed very effective almost home made drones, including long range, largely responsible for current slowing down of RF advances, while their use of sea surface and underwater drones has proven that navies are very vulnerable
""The deliberate delay in investments is driving the market to set the costs for a single 155 mm shell at $6,000 in the next 4 months.
Is Europe hostage to some armament companies? Absolutely not.
Some governments have become partners in this game. Usually, wars are an opportunity to stimulate the economy and generate jobs, and at this point, we have to admit that the Russians are doing this.
However, in Europe, dozens of billion euros were invested in boutique weapons that are extremely expensive and without any proven effectiveness.
Typically, a shell factory with 400 workers can produce around 10,000 shells per month.
If we also consider indirect jobs and more turns, we are talking about 1100-1,300 jobs.
Now, let's consider the demand for 1 million - 1.5 million shells per month. This would require something like 110,000-150,000 jobs just to produce heavy shells. Add to the list everything necessary, including personal equipment, food, medical kits, and equipment maintenance.
Could be the energy a problem to raise production in Europe? In few cases, but they would find a solution. It would be reasonable to say that the European defense sector has the opportunity to create around 300,000-400,000 direct and indirect jobs.
However, it is too late now because there is no money to pay $6,000 per shell in such large quantities. The opportunity was missed, and once the prices calm down, production will increase, but the demand will probably be much significant due to several factors.""