The Pentagon hopes to increase the production of 155-millimeter artillery shells by 500% in the next two years. The estimated cost for this stands at $1.5 billion, according to Bloomberg. The media outlet notes that increased demand from U.S. allies and the trend of consolidation in the defense sector observed over three decades have led to an expansion of weapon production in the country. The administration of President Joe Biden allocated weaponry and related equipment worth over $44 billion to Ukraine and requested additional assistance for this country, as well as for Israel and Taiwan. No…