Ukraine‘s President Zelenksy Orders Mass Production of Drones and Missiles; Invests Record in Defense
In a significant boost to its military capabilities, Ukraine is set to produce a massive amount of drones and missiles this year. President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the government to manufacture no less than 3,000 guided missiles and 30,000 long-range drones. This revelation was made by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a cabinet meeting.
The prime minister took to his Telegram channel to elaborate on the plans, stating, "With this year’s record budget of UAH 2.23 trillion, we’re committed to equipping our army and strengthening our defense industry. Every hryvnia of taxpayers’ money will go towards these efforts. We’re allocating a minimum of UAH 739 billion for weapons and military equipment, with domestic defense enterprises aiming to boost their production capacities to $30 billion."
Shmyhal mentioned that the ‘Weapon of Victory’ project will secure long-term contracts with manufacturers, spanning 3 to 5 years. The ambitious goal set by President Zelensky includes producing at least 30,000 long-range drones, along with around 3,000 guided missiles and missile-drones.
The prime minister alsostressed plans to adopt the "Danish model", where international allies purchase weapons from Ukraine’s defense industry to support its army. By 2025, Ukraine expects to attract over $1 billion through these initiatives.
Moreover, the country will prioritize developing a comprehensive shelter system, inspired by Finland’s successful model. This state-private partnership aims to create a robust network of secure shelters.
