The draft State Budget of Ukraine for 2024 provides for a sevenfold increase in expenditures for the preparation of defence production, up to UAH 55.8 billion. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in an address at the Defence Industries Forum held on 29 September in Kyiv with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Today, the Ukrainian defence industry experiences rebirth. We are launching new production facilities. We are expanding those that were producing results before the full-scale invasion. We are investing in new technologies and new solutions. We are working with partners,” the Head of Government said.
The Prime Minister reminded that in 2022 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine had approved a number of important state targeted programmes. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the production of ammunition of various calibres, missile weapons and missiles, as well as air defence equipment.
“In 2023, the Government initiated several pilot projects for the production of various types of drones. We are systematically simplifying bureaucratic procedures for the production of various types of equipment and weapons,” said Denys Shmyhal.
As the Prime Minister stressed, the private sector is a key partner, and Ukraine is ready to help everyone who produces high-quality weapons for our army.
“Now more than ever, we need the effective work of state defence enterprises, factories and bureaus. The russian regime dreamed of demilitarising Ukraine. Instead, Ukraine is only increasing the rate of production of military weapons and equipment every month. We can say: “He who sowed the wind will reap the storm,” the Prime Minister noted.
According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine is currently cooperating with partner countries to restore Western military equipment. In addition, the issues of creating a closed cycle of production of weapons, defence equipment, ammunition and their components in Ukraine are being worked out.
“We are establishing joint ventures and service centres, which helps to gradually integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the industrial environment of partner countries,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister thanked all the partners for their assistance with armaments, as well as the defence companies that Ukraine cooperates with.
