Russia Increases Ammunition Production and Builds Stockpiles for Future Wars

Russia is actively increasing its production and import of ammunition, indicating preparations for potential future military conflicts. The Estonian intelligence reports that in 2022–2023, the Russian military-industrial complex resumed operations at previously unused ammunition manufacturing facilities. By 2025, production volumes at Russian factories exceeded 7 million units of shells, mortar mines, and rockets, significantly more than the 4.5 million in 2024. As a result, the output of artillery ammunition has increased more than 17 times since 2021.

This is reported by AgroReview

Import of Ammunition from Iran and North Korea

In addition to ramping up its own production, the Russian Federation imported between 5 to 7 million shells from Iran and North Korea. In the second half of 2025, North Korean ammunition accounted for up to 50% of the needs of Russian troops on the front lines.

“Given this, Russia will likely be able to replenish part of its strategic reserves of artillery ammunition even during the war against Ukraine. For the Kremlin, maintaining such reserves is almost certainly a critical element of planning for potential future conflicts,” the document states.

NATO’s Response: Operation “Arctic Guardian”

In response to the increased military activity of Russia, NATO is conducting Operation “Arctic Guardian” in the Arctic. This mission aims to deter the strengthening of Russian presence in the region and prevent the penetration of Russian nuclear submarines into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To achieve this, the Alliance plans to enhance patrols along the strategically important Faroe-Icelandic gap — the maritime passage between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. The intrusion of Russian submarines into the Atlantic Ocean could significantly reduce the flight time of nuclear missiles to the United States.