Azerbaijan Begins Producing Artillery Shells for Ukrainian Armed Forces

Azerbaijan has begun serial production of 122mm and 152mm artillery shells intended for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as the war in Ukraine continues to intensify and Kyiv struggles with critical ammunition shortages.

Production is taking place at the Avia-Agregat plant in Baku, where industrial equipment supplied by Turkey’s Makin ve Kimya Endüstrisi Şirketi is currently being installed and calibrated. Two models—Lasko-1000 and Lasko-350 presses—are being adjusted to begin high-volume output of artillery components.

In parallel, officials from Azerbaijan’s military-industrial sector are in talks with Bulgarian defense manufacturer Rais. The negotiations aim to purchase and set up two production systems for artillery shell casings, further strengthening the country’s capacity to supply ammunition to Ukraine.

The move comes as Ukraine faces severe supply disruptions. According to the Associated Press, Ukrainian forces have been forced to scale back combat operations due to intensified Russian offensives and a slowdown in U.S. arms deliveries. Ammunition is in short supply, and Ukrainian troops are reportedly rationing every shell on the battlefield.

The weapons cooperation marks a new level of military support from Azerbaijan, at a time when relations between Baku and Moscow remain strained. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has publicly expressed support for the Ukrainian government and met several times with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This development could signal a shift in regional arms dynamics, as Baku becomes an active supplier of artillery munitions in a high-stakes European conflict.