European Defence Plants Triple Production Capacity Since 2021

European defence factories have expanded at three times their pre-war rate since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to the Financial Times.

Satellite data indicates around 7 million square metres of new or upgraded production space across 150 sites, compared with 790,000 square metres in 2020–2021.

Ammunition output has risen sharply from 300,000 to about 2 million rounds annually, driven by substantial investments from the European Union and national governments.

The surge reflects Europe’s push to replenish stockpiles and sustain military aid to Ukraine amid ongoing high-intensity conflict with Russia.