Many state-owned enterprises that have not been operating for decades have now launched production, including new types of weapons. For 2024, Ukraine has absolutely clear goals for artillery, drones, missiles, and armored vehicles. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening video address, UNN reports.
"In total, our defense industry already employs about 300,000 people, and this is one of the greatest achievements of our country in several years. The Ukrainian defense industry is not just recovering, it is becoming as productive as it needs to be for a modern, technological war. Many private initiatives are already at work: four out of five companies in our defense industry are private businesses. Many state-owned enterprises that have not worked for decades have now launched their production, including new types of weapons," Zelenskyy said.
He said that in 2024 there are clear goals for artillery, drones, missiles, and armored vehicles.
"For the next year, we have absolutely clear goals for artillery, drones, missiles, and armored vehicles. One of our biggest political results this year is an agreement with our partners, particularly the United States, on our joint arms production. Creation of new production facilities. Localization in Ukraine. Expansion of the repair base," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that all this adds to Ukraine's defense and economic strength.
"This is significant GDP growth and good jobs. I am grateful to everyone who develops this industry, to everyone who contributes their own work and ideas to the development of the Ukrainian defense industry. And I am confident that our defense industry - with such constant development - can definitely enter the top 10 most productive and strongest defense complexes in the world over time. This is the true potential of Ukraine, and our country can definitely become one of the global security donors and one of the strongest members of NATO. We are working for this," Zelenskyy said.
Addendum
During a meeting with executives and employees of public and private companies in the defense industry , Zelenskyy emphasizedthat this year's production of weapons and equipment has tripled compared to last year.