Ukraine Launches Iron Range Project to Speed Weapons Development

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Ukraine has launched a testing initiative for defense manufacturers to accelerate weapons development and delivery.

It comes as Kyiv announced testing its first ballistic missile last month.

The Iron Range project allows free testing of the products as early as during the design phase, enabling timely feedback and an optimized development process.

Manufacturers will be able to test their products in real-world scenarios with the assistance of military-research establishments.

To Help Get Desired Weapons

Moreover, the project aims to develop weapons that are as close to the requirements of the armed forces as possible, according to Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Ivan Havryliuk.

“This project is an important step in developing the Ukrainian defense industry. It will enable weapons and equipment manufacturers to significantly shorten the time needed to test and bring their products up to the standards required for real combat operations,” Havryliuk said.

“This is not just an opportunity for testing. It is a strategic approach to providing the Armed Forces with the weapons they need immediately and at this moment, not potentially in the future.”

Technical Assistance

The project will provide testing facilities equipped to test a broad range of weapons and military equipment, according to an MoD statement.

Apart from testing facilities, it will provide the manufacturers access to technical expertise, advice from experts, and assistance in developing test methodologies.

“We provide a testing ground that is accessible to manufacturers so they can engage in endeavors that are not only potentially beneficial but also currently crucial for the Armed Forces,” Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Hanna Hvozdyar added.

The project is being launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.