According to The Washington Post, the production within Ukraine's defense sector tripled in 2023 and is anticipated to increase sixfold throughout the current year, as reported by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, highlighted the country's achievements in drone technology, noting that Ukraine now meets 90% of its drone requirements domestically. These include long-range UAVs and marine drones, which have significantly altered warfare tactics.
Furthermore, Ukraine has started producing its own mortar and artillery shells, including Soviet-caliber 122 and 152 mm shells. Plans are also underway to manufacture 155-mm NATO-standard shells for artillery systems provided by Western allies, expected to begin in the latter half of the year.
Oleksandr Kamyshyn, the Minister of Strategic Industries, revealed in February that Ukraine commenced the production of a missile capable of reaching approximately 650 km. The development of air defense systems and high-precision missiles, akin to the American HIMARS, is also in progress.
Despite these advancements, Ukraine is set to allocate about $5 billion to domestic arms production this year, a sum that officials deem insufficient. The expansion of the domestic defense sector is crucial, yet it cannot fully offset the shortfall in international support, particularly in terms of weapon deliveries from the United States. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in bolstering its defense capabilities amidst the backdrop of a complex geopolitical landscape.
