Ukraine boosts drone and missile production for 2025 defense push

As part of the Victory Weapon project, Ukraine intends to enter into long-term contracts with manufacturers for three to five years. Special emphasis will be placed on developing long-range technology and the missile program. The President of Ukraine has set a goal to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones. Additionally, Ukrainian companies plan to produce about 3,000 cruise missiles and missile drones.

Prime Minister Shmyhal also announced plans to develop the so-called Danish model, where international partners purchase weapons from the Ukrainian defense industry to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army. For this purpose, over $1 billion is planned to be raised in 2025. In the security sector, Ukraine aims to develop shelter systems following the Finnish model, which includes public-private partnerships and the construction of a comprehensive network of reliable shelters.

The British newspaper "Telegraph" emphasizes that Ukraine must ramp up production to match Russian bombardments. The small number of cruise missiles Ukraine has received from the USA, the United Kingdom, and France is insufficient to conduct an intense deep-strike campaign. Therefore, Kyiv is focusing on enhancing its own production capabilities.

Strengthening the defense industry through local production and developing its own weapon systems allows Ukraine to rely on greater self-sufficiency and stability amid shifting international aid scenarios. These efforts, supported by strategic partnerships, significantly expand the country's future prospects, which are crucial in the current geopolitical context, especially given the uncertainty regarding continued Western support. These investments also lay the groundwork for future export opportunities of Ukrainian armaments, providing additional funding sources for the development of its arsenal.