Czech STV Group to Ramp Up Shell Production to 300,000 Starting in 2026

Czech STV Group is set to expand its production of 155mm ammunition by opening two new production lines.

Daniel of Bohemia, an observer of the Army of the Czech Republic, reported the development.

STV Group plans to boost ammunition production to 300,000 units per year starting in 2025 as part of its efforts to expand production capacity and increase annual shell output.

The expansion will begin with opening a new production line in the coming weeks, doubling production to 200,000 shells annually.

The next expansion phase involves launching an additional production line, slated to open by the end of 2025. Once operational, it will bring the total production capacity to 300,000 shells annually by 2026.

STV Group’s production capacity currently ranges between 56,000 and 150,000 shells per year, depending on the caliber.

The production of shells includes STV107 HE (M107 high-explosive), STV HE ER-BB (extended range), STV HE ER-HB (extended range), STV ILL (LU 215, illuminating), STV SMOKE (LU 217, smoke) and STV TP (training).

Currently, the Czech defense industry is growing its defense sales and expanding its international presence by offering its products to the armed forces of various countries.

One of the key steps in this expansion was opening a new ammunition production facility in the United States by the Czech company Czechoslovak Group.

The group’s companies are also actively producing shells for Ukraine. Recently, the Czechoslovak Group signed several significant cooperation agreements with the Ukrainian Armor. One agreement focuses on the supply of components, while the other involves licensing the production of ammunition, including the transfer of technology and documentation for manufacturing artillery rounds.

It is expected that a portion of the ammunition will be produced in Ukraine, with the remainder manufactured in the Czech Republic. This collaboration will enable the companies to ramp up ammunition production while reducing the cost of each finished round.

In particular, this includes the production of standard 155 mm HE M107 high-explosive projectiles, as well as 155 mm HE ER-BV VMK/MKM (43 km range with Base Bleed warhead) and 155 mm HE ER-BT VMK/MKM (37 km range with Boat Tail warhead).