Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that over 60% of weapons used by his military are domestically produced.
“During this war, Ukraine has reached the point where nearly 60% of the weapons we have, the weapons in the hands of our soldiers, are Ukrainian-made. And these are powerful weapons, with many advanced features,” Zelenskiy said on Saturday in his video address. In his address overnight address, Zelenskiy also highlighted the project for joint weapons production with Denmark.
The 60% figure revealed by Zelenskiy exceeds the target set by Kyiv in July when the president urged his reshuffled government to take measures to enhance domestic weapons production to over 50%.
Ukraine has overwhelmingly focused on drone production and air defences to counter Russia’s air strikes. Last month, Zelenskiy announced test launch of Ukraine’s Flamingo ground-launched, long-range cruise missile. Produced by local Fire Point company, Flamingo missile is fitted with a 1,150-kilogram and has a range of 3,000 kilometres. Zelenskiy said in August that mass production should being for Flamingo this winter.
In addition to domestic weapons companies, Kyiv also relies on Western companies that are closely working with domestic ones. Of special importance is cooperation with Denmark that allows Ukrainian companies produce military equipment in its soil.
