In March this year, the Ukrainian government launched an ambitious project to grow cotton, a critical component for gunpowder production, as part of a strategy to become self-sufficient and strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
This was reported by the press service of the National Association of the Defense Industry of Ukraine.
It is noted that the component for gunpowder is grown in several regions of the country in 10 experimental fields.
"The results of the post-harvest examination should show whether Ukrainian raw materials are suitable for the production of explosives," the association noted.
At the same time, Deputy Chairman of the Defense Industry Association Serhiy Vysotsky noted that the global shortage of gunpowder limits the ability of supplier countries to meet Ukraine's growing needs.
"Companies of our Association can double the production of ammunition of various calibers, including 122 mm and mortars. However, this requires stable supplies of gunpowder and explosives. Currently, there are no such constant supplies," Vysotsky emphasized.
