On 6 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the additional funding for the homegrown missile program, and that contracts have already been signed with domestic manufacturers to produce over one million drones this year, amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
In his August 6 evening video address to the nation, Zelenskyy said he presided over a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, convening Ukraine’s top military officials and strategic industry leaders.
The President confirmed that contracts for producing over one million drones have been signed with domestic manufacturers, indicating plans for further expansion within the year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine’s aerial capabilities and strategic impact on the ongoing war.
“[O]ur Government officials from the Ministry of Strategic Industries and the Ministry of Finance also presented reports on drone production and financing. We have already contracted one million drones for this year, and more will follow in total within the year,” Zelenskyy said.
Additionally, Zelenskyy announced that the HQ approved increased funding for Ukraine’s missile program.
Ukraine produces the Neptune anti-ship missiles in limited numbers, which are currently being adapted for ground strikes. It was also known that Ukraine has been developing the Hrim-2 ballistic missile with the range up to 500 km, yet the project has never reached the testing stage and its current status is unknown. Additionally, the Coral domestic anti-air missiles have been in development.
Related:
- Ukraine’s drone production reached 200,000 FPV units in early 2024
- Netherlands backs Ukraine with €20 million for FPV drones
- Ukrainian army may receive Coral domestic anti-air missiles in 2024
- Ukraine aims to produce 1 million FPV drones and thousands of advanced UAVs in 2024
