Ukraine is accelerating its domestic drone production, aiming to manufacture up to 4 million drones annually, a significant leap in its defense capabilities since the onset of Russia’s invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky made the announcement at Ukraine’s second international defense industry forum on October 1, underscoring the country’s growing military self-sufficiency.
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Zelensky revealed that Ukraine has already secured contracts for 1.5 million drones this year alone, up from virtually no production before the war. This growth mirrors a broader surge in Ukraine’s military manufacturing, which has tripled its weapons output in 2023. The government plans to further enhance its defense sector, projecting a $7 billion increase in military spending by 2025, with a particular emphasis on long-range capabilities to counter Russian forces.
In addition to drones, Ukraine has exponentially increased its ammunition production over the past two years. “In the first half of this year alone, Ukraine produced 25 times more artillery and mortar ammunition than in the entire year of 2022,” Zelensky said. The country is also producing between 15 to 20 Bohdana howitzers per month.
Zelensky also announced the successful testing of Ukraine’s own ballistic missile. The development of domestically produced long-range weapons, including the Palianytsia missile-drone, is a critical component of Ukraine’s strategy as it faces restrictions from Western allies on using foreign-made weapons for deep strikes within Russia. Despite Kyiv’s recent appeals to Washington, the U.S. has maintained its stance against authorizing long-range strikes into Russian territory.
However, Ukraine has continued to strike deep within Russia, using its homegrown long-range drones to target military installations, airfields, and ammunition depots. U.S. officials, including State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, have confirmed that Ukraine does not need American approval to use domestically produced weapons to hit targets inside Russia.
This year’s defense forum in Kyiv, which drew nearly 300 companies from over 30 countries, highlights Ukraine’s evolving defense industry and its increasing focus on self-reliance in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
