Ukraine will become a new arms production center of Europe, Shmyhal says at the Defense Industries Forum

Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Russian attacks have damaged or destroyed 37 enterprises of the military-industrial complex. However, the plan is to restore them, as well as to actively develop other military-industrial enterprises, which will make Ukraine a new center for arms production in Europe. UAH 55.8 billion has been allocated for this in the draft budget for 2024.

This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the first International Defense Industries Forum, an OBOZREVATEL correspondent reports. According to the head of government, the new Alliance should help Ukraine resume production of weapons and ammunition.

"We have increased sevenfold spending on the preparation of defense production in the draft state budget of Ukraine for 2024, which is UAH 55.8 billion. We understand that our defense industry remains one of the main targets for Russian missile strikes. These attacks have affected 37 enterprises. We are currently processing additional proposals for their restoration. The Russian regime dreamed of demilitarizing Ukraine. However, Ukraine is only increasing the production of weapons and military equipment every month. He who sows winds, reaps the storm," Shmyhal said.

According to him, the Ukrainian military-industrial complex is already experiencing a new revival "or even a new birth in some industries and at some enterprises." In 2022, the authorities focused on developing the production of ammunition of various calibers, missile weapons and rockets, and air defense systems. In 2023, the government launched several pilot projects to produce various types of drones.

"Our short-term and strategic goal is to strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign manufacturers, as well as to attract foreign companies to produce weapons in Ukraine. Everyone understands the risks. But those who think strategically also realize that Ukraine will become a new center for arms production in Europe," Shmyhal addressed the forum participants.

Active cooperation with partner countries is already underway. The main directions are as follows:

• restoration of Western military equipment in Ukraine;
• creation of a closed cycle of production of weapons, military equipment, ammunition and their components in Ukraine.

"We are creating joint ventures and service centers, which helps to gradually integrate the Ukrainian defense industry into the industrial environment of partner countries," Shmyhal summarized.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukraine has begun testing various long-range and high-precision weapons. DIU says the results of using the new weapons are "encouraging and positive."

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!