Armor is getting more expensive: how much does Ukraine need for its own military-industrial complex?
28 May 2025 16:13
Ukraine needs at least $30 billion to fully launch national production of products for the Armed Forces, from ammunition to high-tech weapons. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists on May 28, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the head of state, it is not about “putting out a fire ” – that is, emergency coverage of the current needs of the front – but about creating a self-sufficient military-industrial infrastructure capable of providing the army on a systematic basis for years.
This is not a short-term package, it is the basis of the state’s defense capability in a protracted war. Without our own production, we remain vulnerable to the decisions of our partners, delivery schedules and political conditions,” Zelensky emphasized.
Progress has been made, but it is not enough
So far, Ukraine has already secured funding for about two-thirds of its artillery shell needs. But, according to the President, these are mostly external purchases. We are talking about an international aid package that should be enough for a year of active hostilities.
At the same time, Ukraine’s defense industry showed significant growth in 2024. According to government estimates, production capacity increased from $12 billion to $35 billion. As a result, the country is already producing more than 30% of the weapons and ammunition needed by the army, including
- attack and reconnaissance drones
- armored vehicles and repair platforms
- electronic warfare systems;
- anti-tank weapons;
- some artillery and mortars.
Money, technology and strategic alliances
A full transition to autonomous production involves more than just funding. According to the president, the following are critically important
- institutional planning – forming a state order for years in advance;
- technological upgrading – attracting innovations and knowledge transfer from partners;
- public-private partnership – creating conditions for investors, including capital protection and a stable regulatory environment;
- international cooperation – in particular, launching joint production with NATO countries and integration into global defense supply chains.
The Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Strategic Industries are already working on a roadmap for the development of the defense industry, which includes the creation of military-industrial clusters and technology parks in western Ukraine, where the level of security is higher.
Read also: “Belarus is not an option”: Zelensky explained where negotiations with Russia could take place
Ukraine’s own defense industry is not just an ambition, but a requirement of the times
Amid regular delays in international military aid, Ukraine cannot afford to remain dependent on supplies. Relying on the domestic defense industry is not just about independence, but about survival in a long-term confrontation with Russia.
Our army must receive weapons on time, not when they are no longer needed. This requires a full production cycle here in Ukraine. And it is quite possible,” the President summarized.
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