NATO countries are facing a shortage of cotton for gunpowder production – WSJ
This is reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) remains a key component in the production of smokeless gunpowder for shells. This compound is produced from linters – the short, fibrous strands left over after cotton seeds have been processed.
Limited cotton supplies have become one of the main obstacles for the Alliance in its attempts to increase its own ammunition reserves.
“NATO does not have sufficient resources. Limited cotton supplies are one of the biggest problems NATO faces in its efforts to build up its ammunition stocks,” the article states.
According to the publication’s estimates, in order to safeguard supply chains against emergencies, Europe needs to more than double its own production of nitrocellulose – to 20,000 tonnes per year.
European countries are already taking steps to address the shortfall. In particular, the German defence conglomerate Rheinmetall is converting a civilian nitrocellulose production plant for military use. In addition, Poland plans to build a new plant to produce this chemical compound.
As a reminder, a bipartisan bill was previously presented in Washington aimed at reducing bureaucratic procedures and speeding up the supply of essential ammunition to Ukraine.
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