France ramps up weapons production for Ukraine and says Russia is scrutinizing the West’s mettle

By JOHN LEICESTER
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — France has announced more deliveries of its Caesar artillery system to Ukraine and is accelerating weapons production to avoid depleting its own military stocks while continuing to support the war effort against Russia’s invasion. France announced a drive on Thursday to fund the delivery of 78 Caesar self-propelled 155 mm howitzers to Ukraine this year. Ammunition production is also being ramped up. France’s defense minister said “endurance” needs to be built into Western military aid for Ukraine. He said that in addition to Russia, Iran and North Korea are also scrutinizing “our capacity to show endurance and reliability.”