Since the United States suspended military aid to Ukraine, domestic weapons production has become increasingly important in the country’s fight against Russian aggression. No longer just a supplement to Western arms, Ukrainian-made weapons now serve as a vital component of the nation’s defence strategy. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that domestic weapons production has increased 35 times in the past three years, with Ukraine now producing one third of the arms it needs. The goal, he stated, is to reach 50 percent self-sufficiency in the near future.
At the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s military industry relied on small-scale production, often operating from garages and workshops. Former Defence Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk explained that in 2024, the industry has outgrown the government’s purchasing capacity, with production now two to three times higher than the state’s ability to buy. This surge in domestic arms manufacturing has played a key role in preventing Russia from gaining an upper hand, despite the shortages of Western firepower. Several Ukrainian arms manufacturers have now reached world-class standards, allowing the country to innovate at an unprecedented pace.
Former Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov stressed that while European and American weapons remain crucial, Ukraine’s top priority is securing investment for its own military industry. He compared Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem to Silicon Valley, with engineers and scientists working across the country to develop cutting-edge technology. He described Ukraine as “the largest military laboratory on the planet,” arguing that investing in Ukrainian defence is the best way to strengthen European security.
Ukraine’s growing military self-reliance is reshaping the battlefield. Three years into the war, modern warfare has changed dramatically, and direct infantry clashes are now rare. Reznikov highlighted that large-scale Russian tank advances, like those seen in February 2022, would be quickly neutralised by drones. Despite this progress, Zagorodnyuk warned that domestic drones and short-range weapons cannot fully replace large missiles, air defence systems, reconnaissance equipment, and manned aircraft, which remain essential in many aspects of the war.
Some experts believe Ukraine will soon develop its own long-range weaponry, reducing reliance on US-supplied systems. Enthusiasts within the Ukrainian defence industry argue that within a year, domestic alternatives to American long-range missiles could be available.
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