Russia Expands Siberian Explosives Plant Boosting Artillery Shell Production

Russia is undertaking a large-scale expansion of its Biysk Oleum Plant (BOZ) in remote Siberia to significantly boost production of high-powered explosives, such as RDX, used in artillery shells, mortar rounds, and missiles amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The facility, operated by the state defense company Ya. M. Sverdlov Plant, is expected to produce approximately 6,000 metric tons of explosives annually, enough to fill about 1.28 million 152mm artillery shells, thereby enhancing Russia's artillery capacity at a critical time. This expansion comes as Russia’s domestic ammunition stockpiles dwindle and it relies heavily on imports from North Korea, which are reportedly of lower quality. The project, initially slated for completion in late 2025, has experienced delays but remains a strategic effort to ensure sustained firepower despite increasing Western support for Ukraine. The plant’s location in Siberia keeps it out of reach of Ukrainian drone attacks that have targeted other Russian military-industrial sites. Experts emphasize that increasing explosive production is vital for Russia’s war effort, as artillery remains a key component of the conflict dynamics.