Serhiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration, spoke at the meeting of national directors of armaments of the countries participating in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The meeting took place at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Amid the full-scale invasion, Ukraine's defense industry has increased production volumes more than 20 times, yet it still requires further investment and the development of joint venture initiatives.
"Ukraine's defense industry is not being utilized to its full potential, there is a lack of funding for capacities. However, just in 2023-2024, Ukrainian production of artillery systems increased threefold, armored personnel carriers – fivefold, anti-tank weapons – twofold, and ammunition by 2.5 times. Ukraine could produce over 4 million UAVs annually with full funding for production," said Serhiy Boyev.
The Deputy Minister stressed the need to increase and accelerate the production of equipment and ammunition. He also highlighted the importance of Ukraine's combat experience for the development of innovations and technological improvements to existing equipment.
"Ammunition remains the number one need, even considering the increase in production. Air defense, heavy equipment, and engineering equipment are potential products for joint industrial ventures," noted Serhiy Boyev.
He separately emphasized that the use of income from frozen Russian assets could become an additional resource for Ukraine's defense industry and joint ventures.
Furthermore, the issue of localizing enterprises engaged in the repair of equipment provided by partners is becoming even more relevant. This would greatly simplify the logistical chain and save money, which could be redirected as needed.
Serhiy Boyev also stressed that jointly produced and battlefield-tested weapons could be exported to partners after the war ends.
