Ministry of Strategic Industries, together with the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of Ukraine, has launched the "Iron Testing Ground" project. This is a free service provided by the state to manufacturers of weapons and military equipment for quick and accessible testing of prototypes during the design stages.
The "Iron Testing Ground" offers Ukrainian manufacturers access to a process of rapid, professional tests and trials, as well as evaluations by a military research institute.
Manufacturers can access testing sites equipped with the necessary equipment for various types of military weapons and equipment, along with a wide range of additional services:
- Testing methodology
- Professional expertise
- Support during tests/trials
- Consultations/feedback from the military
"We are providing an open testing ground for manufacturers so they can work on what the military truly needs, not just what might potentially be useful. This allows manufacturers to save time and speeds up the delivery of essential weapons and equipment to the front lines," explains Hanna Hvozdiar, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, about the project.
After completing a form and undergoing security procedures, the manufacturer receives an invitation to arrive at the physical testing ground in Ukraine on a specified date and time. The testing ground provides the necessary conditions for testing the military equipment samples. Relevant units of the General Staff and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine provide support to the manufacturer during the trials. During the testing process, the manufacturer receives methodological recommendations and a report from the General Staff, which they can use to further refine their development. The Ministry of Defense selects the equipment that has passed the trials for further integration into training programs.
"This project is a crucial step in the development of the Ukrainian defense industry as it allows weapon and equipment manufacturers to significantly reduce the time needed for testing and refining their products to meet the standards required for actual combat. It is not just an opportunity for trials—it's a strategic approach to ensuring the Defense Forces have the necessary weaponry right now, not just potentially in the future," explained Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
One manufacturer may use the service multiple times throughout the product development process.
