**Ukraine’s Domestic Defense Industry Makes Big Gains**
In his New Year’s address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a major shift in the country’s defense capabilities. He said that 30% of all military equipment used by Ukrainian forces in 2024 was made in Ukraine.
This is a significant change for Ukraine, which has been under attack from Russia since 2014. The president highlighted several domestically produced weapons systems, including drones and missiles. These include the Neptune and Sapsan missiles, as well as various drone models such as Hor, Vampire, Kolovrat, Kamikaze, Lyutyi, Heavyshot, and Firepoint.
**Rapid Progress in Defense Production**
Ukraine has made unprecedented levels of defense production, according to Zelenskyy. The country has manufactured over one million drones in 2024. This is a major achievement for Ukraine’s defense industry.
During his speech, Zelenskyy shared an interaction with a young engineer at a defense factory. The engineer joked that the team was not just people, but “rockets”. The president took this moment to reflect on how Ukraine had neglected its talented engineers in the past.
**Forcing Russia to Learn Ukrainian**
Zelenskyy emphasized that these developments are forcing Russia to learn Ukrainian. This is because terms like “Palyanytsia”, “Peklo“, and “Ruta” – the names of Ukrainian-made weapons – have become familiar to Russian forces.
The rapid development of Ukraine’s defense industry comes alongside significant international support packages and military aid. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that domestic production capabilities are becoming a crucial factor in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
**A Just Peace**
Zelenskyy connected Ukraine’s industrial capabilities to its broader strategic position. He stated that these developments are arguments for “a just peace”. Only those who are strong can achieve this kind of peace, he said.
Ukraine’s defense industry has seen significant growth in 2024. The country has secured 59% of new military procurement contracts, marking a major shift towards self-sufficiency in arms production.
**Looking Ahead**
Advancements in missile and drone technology have been key to Ukraine’s transformation. The Palianytsia drone is now in mass production, while the Ruta missile system has undergone successful trials. By mid-2025, Ukraine aims to produce its own cruise and ballistic missiles, further strengthening its long-range strike capabilities.
In addition to domestic progress, Ukraine has fostered international defense collaborations with NATO countries like Poland, France, and Denmark. These partnerships position Ukraine to continue enhancing its defense capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign supplies.
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