Weapons production in Ukraine. Umerov announced plans for 2025.

Ukraine plans to increase weapons production, including drones and ballistic missiles, next year. This was announced by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC2).

Four billion dollars have already been invested in the development of Ukrainian industry, and next year it is planned to increase funding. The priority is the development of domestic drones and long-range weapons, including ballistic missiles, said the head of the Ministry of Defense.

The Ministry of Defense is actively involving foreign partners in the creation of joint ventures to develop the defense industry. Signing long-term contracts for the production, supply, and maintenance of weapons are important elements. This will meet the needs of the Ukrainian military in the long term.

More than 280 companies participated in the forum. New agreements were signed, which will enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, according to Umerov.

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the leaders and top managers of defense companies from partner countries at the forum. The topic of the conversation was expanding cooperation to strengthen the production capabilities of Ukraine's defense sector. According to Zelensky, after the first forum, there are already important results, including the maintenance of light guns, localization of assault rifle production, and the creation of capacities for the production of ammunition for small arms.

The government of Ukraine has allocated 65% more funds for the purchase of weapons and military equipment in the draft state budget for next year. In 2022, Ukraine produced such an amount of weapons that previously seemed impossible. Production tripled in 2023, and production doubled in the first eight months of this year.

President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is manufacturing weapons that it did not have before, such as 155mm artillery shells and long-range drones. A new defense industry has been virtually built in Ukraine, which in the first half of 2022 produced 25 times more ammunition for artillery and mortars than in the entire 2022. Zelensky also said that a new ballistic missile in Ukraine has successfully passed tests.