Ukraine Increases Arms Production, Capable of Manufacturing 4 Million Drones Annually, Says Zelenskiy

By Olena Harmash

KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine is capable of producing up to four million drones annually and is rapidly increasing its production of other military equipment. His remarks were shared with the public on Wednesday.

During a meeting on Tuesday with executives from various international arms manufacturers in Kyiv, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine has already secured contracts for the production of 1.5 million drones this year.

Prior to the Russian invasion in February 2022, drone manufacturing was nearly nonexistent in Ukraine. Zelenskiy noted, "In extremely difficult conditions of the full-scale war under constant Russian strikes, Ukrainians were able to build a virtually new defence industry."

Ukraine has tripled its overall domestic weapons production in 2023 and doubled that output again within the first eight months of this year, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who addressed the same audience. Specific figures were not provided by officials.

After more than 31 months of conflict with Russian forces, which shows no signs of abating, Ukraine now dedicates around half of its state budget—approximately $40 billion—to defense. The country also receives significant military and financial assistance from its Western allies.

In contrast, Russia, with its larger economy and military, is projected to increase its military spending by 25% next year, reaching about $145 billion.

Production Growth

Ukrainian officials expect that foreign funding will gradually decrease while the country’s defense needs continue to grow. As a result, Kyiv is focusing on maximizing domestic production capabilities.

Shmyhal revealed that the government aims to escalate spending to support the growth of local weapon production in 2025. He mentioned, "Next year’s budget anticipates a 65% increase in funds for weapon purchases, which amounts to nearly $7 billion."

He emphasized that enhancing domestic long-range capabilities and establishing a technological edge over Russian forces are pivotal objectives for Ukraine.

Currently, Russian forces have been making consistent advances in the eastern Donetsk region, recently claiming full control of the small mining town of Vuhledar.

Striking deep within Russian territory is a priority for Ukraine. Zelenskiy has been actively seeking authorization to utilize Western long-range missiles for attacks inside Russia, but has yet to receive any agreement.

"Among our strategic tasks is to enhance the long-range capability of Ukrainian weapons so that there is no safe area in the European part of Russia that our drones and missiles cannot reach," Shmyhal stated.

During the event on Tuesday, multiple agreements were established between Ukrainian and foreign firms to manufacture ammunition, various types of drones, and to maintain Western military equipment in Ukraine.

The Franco-German defense group KNDS, known for its heavily armored wheeled and tracked vehicles, announced the opening of a subsidiary in Kyiv.