The Government is working to strengthen national defense capabilities and has changed its approach to the development of the military-industrial complex. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a Question Time with the Government at the Verkhovna Rada on October 6.
"Ukraine appreciates and expresses gratitude to all partners for their military support. The contribution of the United States and the European Union is of particular importance - almost USD 44 billion and EUR 25 billion respectively. At the same time, Ukraine is working to improve its domestic defense capabilities," the Head of Government emphasized.
According to Denys Shmyhal, approaches to the development of the Ukrainian defense industry have been radically changed, and a new company has been established on the basis of Ukroboronprom in accordance with modern corporate governance standards.
"We have focused on new design solutions, manufacturability, and technology transfer. A special emphasis is placed on drones, which determine the nature of modern warfare," said Denys Shmyhal.
In particular, according to him, a fast track has been created for the rapid import of drones and equipment to Ukraine. The Government has also expanded the list of military and dual-use goods that can be imported without the permission of the State Export Control Service. In addition, procedures for defense procurement of Ukrainian drones have been simplified.
"The path of a drone from development to procurement is now as short as possible. Over the year, drone production has increased 100 times. More than 200 Ukrainian companies have embarked on the production of UAVs," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government also emphasized that in 2024 the Ukrainian defense industry would have even more resources. Thus, it is planned that expenditures on defense production will increase 7 times to UAH 55.8 billion, and more than UAH 48 billion is provided for the replenishment and enlargement of the drone army.
"The enemy can already feel the strength and power of our weapons, and will feel it even more," the Prime Minister emphasized.