Zelensky: Ukraine is able to produce 4 million drones per year and has increased ammunition production
Ukraine is now capable of producing 4 million drones annually, with more than 1.5 million already contracted.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported this at the opening of the Second International Defense Industries Forum.
In addition, he said that domestic defense companies have increased production of artillery ammunition.
“The total number of drones we are now capable of producing annually in Ukraine is 4 million, with more than 1.5 million already contracted,” Zelensky said.
During his speech, Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are using an entirely new class of Ukrainian weapons – the long-range Palianytsia missile-drone. He also noted that other types of Ukrainian long-range drones and missiles are in operation.
Naval drones are working to protect Ukraine. Our new ballistic missile has successfully passed flight tests. Everyone can see how effective our Neptune missiles are,” the President noted.
In addition, Zelensky said that in the first half of this year alone, Ukraine produced 25 times more ammunition for artillery and mortars than in the entire year of 2022.
Previously, Presidential Advisor on Strategic Affairs Oleksandr Kamyshyn announced that Ukraine had started its own production of 155mm artillery shells.
The launch of 155mm shell production in Ukraine was announced in early June 2023.
In August 2024, it was reported that Ukroboronprom had completed testing of 155mm artillery ammunition and was preparing for its mass production in the second half of 2024.
The Ukrainian defense industry launched the production of 5.45×39 and 5.56×45mm ammunition for the Ukrainian army.
The government has made decisions that will simplify bureaucracy in the explosives and detonators market, allowing the production of ammunition to be scaled up.