Militaries Compete to Increase Cotton Supply for Ammo Production

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 22, 2026

NATO is increasing efforts to boost the supply of nitrocellulose, a cotton-derived material essential for ammunition production, amid rising tensions with Russia and China. Securing this resource is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly as the alliance aims to enhance self-sufficiency in its ammunition stockpiles.

Military planners within NATO are intensifying efforts to increase the supply of cotton-derived materials essential for ammunition production, highlighting an often-overlooked resource critical to modern warfare. As tensions escalate with Russia and China, the alliance is working to bolster reserves of nitrocellulose, commonly known as guncotton, a key component in a wide range of explosive ordnance.

Nitrocellulose is produced primarily from cotton linters—the short, fuzzy fibers remaining on cotton seeds after the main fibers are harvested. This substance is treated with acid to become highly flammable, enabling it to serve as a propellant in ammunition systems, including artillery shells capable of reaching targets up to 70 miles away.

Despite advances in digital technologies and drone capabilities, NATO’s operational readiness still depends heavily on the availability of such traditional materials. However, the supply of linters is limited, posing a challenge for the alliance’s ammunition stockpiling goals.

The United States, which grows most of its cotton domestically, seeks to expand both linter production and the capacity to convert these fibers into guncotton. Meanwhile, European countries, where cotton cultivation declined centuries ago, have historically relied on China to supply linters and finished nitrocellulose. This reliance has prompted efforts to develop local production capabilities and explore alternative natural feedstocks for guncotton manufacturing.

The urgency to scale up nitrocellulose availability contrasts with longer lead times required to build heavier armaments such as steel warheads and tanks. Military officials consider ramping up guncotton production a near-term priority to sustain ammunition readiness amid a more competitive global security environment.

As NATO seeks greater self-sufficiency in its supply chains, these initiatives reflect a strategic push to secure essential raw materials critical to maintaining the alliance’s combat effectiveness in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.