Oleksii Petrov, the chief of defense exports at OBOZ.UA, said that flight tests of missiles developed domestically are showing positive results.
Ukraine’s defense sector is making significant progress in domestic weapons production. It plans to manufacture its cruise and ballistic missiles itself by mid-2025. Oleksii Petrov, director of Spetstechnoexport – a Ukrainian enterprise that specializes in the export and import military and dual purpose products and services worldwide.
In the third year after the full-scale conflict with Russia, Ukraine actively developed its own cruise and missile capabilities, in addition to receiving advanced missile systems from Western Allies, such Storm Shadow/SCALP or ATACMS missiles. Ukraine is however not allowed to use these missiles deep inside Russia to avoid nuclear escalation.
Long-range weapons enable Ukraine to reach targets outside the frontlines, such as supply depots and command centers, airfields and logistics hubs in Russian-controlled zones. By striking these targets, Ukraine disrupts Russia’s operations by preventing resupply or reinforcements. It also reduces Russian capabilities for long-range attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
Petrov, in an interview with OBOZ.UA revealed that flight testing of these weapons is already underway.
Petrov said, “I have seen the tests. I’ve only seen flight tests so far. But there are results.”
Ukraine produces NATO-standard artillery munitions at home
He also said that Ukraine has started manufacturing NATO-standard artillery shells of 155mm to reduce its reliance on foreign supplies and increase self-sufficiency.
This development comes at a time when Ukraine faces ongoing challenges with ammunition supply. The forces require constant replenishment both of NATO and Soviet-standard munitions.
Petrov stated that the existing artillery systems still require 152mm and 122mm Soviet-standard ammunition.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, had earlier reported a significant rise in domestic ammunition production. The output in the first six months of this year exceeded the entire production for 2022 by 25 times.
The president stated that Ukraine has significantly increased production of the 2S22 Bohdana 155mm self propelled howitzer, which is a Ukrainian-designed weapon. By October 2024, the monthly production had doubled to approximately 20 units.
In August, Ukraine announced that it had deployed a new drone with a long range, produced in-house, named Palianytsia. This drone has the capability to strike deep inside Russian territory.
Yurii Kasianov, an expert in UAVs and Armed Forces officer, clarified that it is technically a cruise-missile, estimating the cost at $160,000.
According to Greek media, Greece has reached an agreement with the Czech Republic that will allow it to supply Ukraine with 2,000 Zuni missiles, 180 antitank rockets and 90,000 projectiles. It will also provide 4 million bullets and 70 howitzers.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com