Zelenskyi: Domestic Arms Production Reaches One-Third of Ukraine’s Needs
15 January, 2025 Production of the BTR-4E hull at the Zhytomyr Armored Plant. Photo credits: Facebook/ZhBTZ The Ukrainian defense industry covers one third of all the needs for weapons and equipment of the Defense Forces.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi during a meeting with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk and media representatives. "At the beginning of the war, the proportions of U.S., EU and Ukrainian production assistance were the same. Today, we have different proportions: about 33-34% of all weapons in Ukraine today are domestically produced with 100% of what you need for a year. This is a serious increase, as it was less than 10%," he noted. At the same time, military assistance from European countries accounts for about 30% of the total annual supply of Ukrainian troops, and from the United States - about 40%.
The President noted that Russia still has a larger number and annual production of traditional weapons such as tanks and helicopters. At the same time, he called Ukraine a leader in the production of drones for various purposes. "More drones at the expense of domestic production and at the expense of money provided by partners. Do we need it? Very much!" he added, recalling the concept of the Danish model of military assistance, when partner countries allocate funds for the production of weapons for Ukraine by Ukrainian defense companies.
Shark reconnaissance drones of the 43rd separate artillery brigade.
May 2024. Ukraine. Photo from the brigade's Facebook page
The Danish model
The initiative envisages a model of financing Ukrainian defense companies by the governments of partner countries, which was launched by Denmark.
To do this, Ukraine compiles a list of projects that need funding, and foreign experts check the recommended companies, assess their capacity and experience in executing contracts. Procurement from the Ukrainian defense industry has significant advantages:
- fast delivery times
- competitive prices;
- the possibility of organizing training and maintenance near the frontline.
Last week, the Ministry of Defense reported that in 2024, thanks to the Danish model, the Defense Forces received weapons worth EUR538 million. Last year's funding came from the governments of Denmark (EUR125 million), Sweden (EUR20 million), Iceland (EUR2.7 million), and interest from frozen Russian assets (EUR390 million).
At the first stage of the Danish model, Ukraine received 2C22 Bohdan self-propelled 155 mm wheeled artillery systems.
Ukrainian self-propelled artillery systems "Bohdana".
2024.
Photo credits: Danish Ministry of Defense
Subsequently, partner governments also funded the production of long-range drones, anti-tank missile systems, and anti-ship missiles.