According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Ukraine is planning to increase its production of drones, long-range weapons, and ballistic missiles by 2025. This announcement was made at Ukraine’s second international defense industry forum on October 1st.
The decision to develop these weapons was made after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the program has shown positive progress and announced a successful test of Ukraine’s first domestically-made ballistic missile in August.
Umerov revealed that $4 billion has already been invested in the development of the Ukrainian defense industry. The government plans to increase funding next year, with a focus on domestic drones and long-range weapons, including ballistic missiles.
During the forum, Umerov also mentioned that Ukraine intends to share more details about a major missile program later this year or in 2025. The defense ministry is also seeking to collaborate with foreign partners to establish joint ventures for the development of the defense industry.
The ministry’s statement emphasized the importance of signing long-term contracts for the production, supply, and maintenance of weapons to ensure a steady supply for the Ukrainian army. This is crucial as Western partners have refused to authorize deep strikes in Russia using foreign-made missiles.
Despite President Zelensky’s request to the U.S. during his recent visit to the White House, there has been no change in the U.S.’s policy on long-range strikes. Ukraine sees domestically produced long-range weapons as a key component of its defense strategy.
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