Ukraine triples its weapons production: minister

Ukraine tripled its weapons production last year, with the number of companies operating in the country's defence sector reaching 500, according to the country’s strategic industries minister.

Servicemen of the 47th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine take cover as they shoot a mortar on their position in the Avdiivka direction, at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk area, Ukraine, 24 February 2024, the day of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.

Photo: EPA/VITALII NOSACH

In efforts to fortify defences against Moscow's ongoing invasion, Kyiv aims to enhance domestic arms manufacturing and foster innovation.

Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin revealed during a televised conference in Kyiv that 100 state-owned and 400 private companies are engaged in this initiative, the Reuters agency has reported.

Additionally, minister Kamyshin said, Ukraine plans "to considerably increase ammunition production."

In a separate statement, Ukraine's digital minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, said that 90% of drones used in combat against Russian forces were domestically produced.

(ał)

Source: Reuters