Europe is too dependent on China to make gunpowder for ammunition production and is at risk of a supply crisis, threatening the security of this continent – one of its most important defense contractors. The European Union (EU) warned.
China controls important raw materials to make ammunition
In an interview published on POLITICO on April 18, Saab CEO Micael Johansson called on governments to reduce environmental regulations to make it easier for companies to diversify supply chains for components. important military.
China plays an important role in providing EU countries with raw materials needed for the defense industry, while Beijing is also strengthening cooperation in many fields with Russia – which the West allegedly supporting Moscow to maintain its military campaign in Ukraine.
Despite sanctions from the West on Russian oil, Moscow has surpassed Saudi Arabia to become the largest crude oil supplier to China in 2023 with a record volume of 107.02 million tons, equivalent to 2 million tons. .14 million barrels/day – according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China earlier this year.
After the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023, the two countries affirmed that consolidating and deepening bilateral relations is “the strategic choice of both sides.” based on each country’s national situation”, not influenced by outside influences.
Mr. Micael Johansson said that when it comes to providing raw materials for gunpowder – the propellant used to fire artillery shells – Western defense companies should find ways to diversify their supplies.
While delivery times and prices of some components have improved, the European defense industry still faces “bottlenecks”, especially in “gunpowder and nitrocellulose to make drugs”. gun”.
“The risk of China stopping the supply of nitrocellulose for gunpowder in Europe… would be very detrimental,” Johansson said.
Since the Ukraine conflict began, European defense companies have been under pressure to produce more weapons and ammunition at a faster rate to support Kiev and strengthen its defenses in the region. water.
China plays a key role in the supply of raw materials for the defense industry in EU countries (Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
While Ukraine is increasingly overwhelmed by Russia’s firepower, the West’s failure to provide enough ammunition to Kiev is shaping the outcome of the war.
By early 2026, the European Commission estimates the bloc will produce 2 million artillery shells per year. But one of the main obstacles to speeding up production is the lack of propellant and gunpowder.
The European Commission is looking for a solution: Almost half of the 500 million euros in EU subsidies under the Support for the Production of Ammunition (ASAP) Act have been allocated to projects aimed at increasing gunpowder production.
Fuel powder is made from nitrocellulose, among other things. The substance itself is made from cotton fibers mainly sourced from China.
Saab is one of Europe’s key arms manufacturers, producing land combat weapons, submarines and missiles. Along with France’s Dassault Aviation, this Swedish company is also the only European manufacturer that can build its own fighter jet – the JAS 39 Gripen.
Europe strives to reduce dependence on China
Mr. Johansson’s comments come in the context that the EU is also promoting an economic security agenda to reduce dependence on Beijing, in an effort to “mitigate risks” to its supply chain. block.
When it comes to weapons, the risk of dependence on Chinese raw materials and components is especially high – POLITICO said. According to US intelligence agencies, China may be supplying nitrocellulose to Russia to support Moscow’s war effort.
It is a risk that Europe is aware of. An EU official (anonymous) said that the bloc’s gunpowder manufacturers need to diversify their sources of supply.
It is possible to do that” by identifying new suppliers – but their cotton products need to meet standards for gunpowder production, and this takes time. Another way is to invest in new solutions like wood cellulose, which some are doing.”
“This work is already underway,” the EU official added.
European defense companies are facing pressure to produce more weapons and ammunition faster (Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
In 2022, Finnish-Norwegian ammunition manufacturer Nammo began looking at using tree-based cellulose as a substitute for cotton-based cellulose.
However, overreliance on China goes beyond the nitrocellulose issue, Johansson warned. He added that environmental regulations need to be reviewed to make it easier for European companies to diversify their supply chains.
European defense manufacturers “have to evaluate the ecosystem and materials like aluminum and titanium, to see to what extent we have a dependence on China and Russia,” Saab’s CEO said.
Before Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine, European aerospace giants including Airbus were heavily dependent on titanium supplies from Russia. This is a key material in the defense industry, used to build both military aircraft and submarines. Aluminum is used for warships and military vehicles.
“Environmental approval is required to obtain these materials from other parts of the world, including Europe. It takes up to 10 years to get approval,” Johansson said.
“We can’t continue like this if we want to change these types of dependencies in the future.”
