Ukraine Plans Significant Surge in Missile and Arms Production

1 December, 2023 Illustrative photo of Ukrainian Kozak-2 armored vehicles. Photo from open sources The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Strategic Industries, will increase the production of missiles, ammunition, weapons, and military equipment several times next year.

The Ministry of Defense published a statement on the issue on its website. Manufacturing will focus on air defense equipment ranging from simple portable anti-aircraft missile systems to air defense systems with ranges exceeding 100 kilometers. As an example of such systems, the Ministry of Defense cited the promising Coral SAM.

"In addition, the approved budget for 2024 provides that about 175 billion hryvnias are allocated for the purchase of missiles and ammunition so that our Defense Forces can adequately confront Russian aggression," Lieutenant General Ivan Havrilyuk said.

Illustrative photo of Ukrainian-made anti-tank missiles. Photo from open sources

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stressed that the development of the local defense and industrial complex is a top priority. Militarnyi recently reported that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense seeks to ensure the production of body armor, helmets, tactical equipment, clothes, and food for the Armed Forces within Ukraine.

One of the directions is the localization of UAV component production in Ukraine and cooperation with international investors, funds, and manufacturers. Ukraine is actively negotiating with world arms manufacturers to localize their production in Ukraine.

Illustration photo of produced bulletproof vests. Photo from open sources

For example, the German defense concern Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom formed a joint venture to perform repair work on Western equipment.

It was also reported that Ukraine and the United States will jointly produce weapons, in particular air defense systems.

In addition, Ukraine seeks to increase the production of its own weapons.