August 28, 2025
Amid escalating pressure from Russian forces, Azerbaijan has stepped in to bolster Ukraine’s defenses by mass-producing and supplying artillery shells. This comes in response to Russian strikes targeting Azerbaijani energy infrastructure inside Ukraine.
Azerbaijan is now producing 122 mm and 152 mm shells—compatible with Ukraine’s vast fleet of Soviet-era artillery like D-30s and Msta-Bs. These systems have remained underused due to ammunition shortages. Analysts estimate that repurposing just half of these guns could boost Ukrainian artillery output by 20–30%. Production is ramping up fast, with facilities like Avia-Agregat using Turkish-made Lasko-1000 and Lasko-350 presses to churn out thousands of shells per day. Talks with Bulgarian manufacturers to expand casing production are already underway.
Meanwhile, Russia’s drone raids have targeted Azerbaijani energy assets—including the Svitanok Oil Trade depot in Odesa—destroying tanks, buildings, and fueling pipelines. Despite these attacks, President Aliyev made a defiant move: securing $2 million in electrical equipment to restore damaged power systems—signaling resilience over retreat.
The spike in ammunition support isn’t just altruistic. Azerbaijan’s own military still relies on these calibers. The newly built production capacity now serves as a strategic buffer for Baku—ready to enhance its own defense if needed. This shift mirrors the growing trend of non-Western allies gearing up for long-term strategic resilience.
In short, Russia’s aggression aimed to intimidate has instead hardened Azerbaijan’s resolve. With its supply lines intact and capacity growing, Baku has become a pivotal ammunition lifeline for Kyiv—and a clear sign that coercion will no longer yield compliance.
