In a significant update from the front lines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that the country is now producing the majority of its own combat hardware. He stated that nearly 60% of the weapons currently in use by Ukrainian soldiers are made in Ukraine.
Speaking late Saturday, President Zelensky emphasized the strength and sophistication of this homegrown arsenal, calling many of the weapons “cutting-edge.” This marks a major leap in domestic defense production, as the figure was just over 40% back in April.
This push for self-reliance is a direct response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine has been rapidly expanding its own defense industry to reduce its dependence on weapons deliveries from international partners.
The announcement follows exciting news from the front of Ukrainian weapons development. Just days ago, a leading Ukrainian defense company, Fire Point, announced it had created two new ballistic missiles and new air defense systems. This comes shortly after their “Flamingo” cruise missile entered mass production.
The government is putting its money where its mouth is. In a powerful statement of intent, Ukraine’s 2025 budget has allocated a massive 55 billion hryvnias (approximately $1.3 billion) specifically for defense manufacturing.
President Zelensky did acknowledge that key challenges remain, specifically pointing to the need for Ukraine to produce its own air defense systems, a current priority. He continues to call on Western allies for crucial support, including US-made Patriot missile systems.
Recent support from allies is also flowing through a NATO program known as PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List), which helps fund Ukraine’s most urgent battlefield needs. Zelensky confirmed that securing new contributions to this program is a key focus for the coming week.
