Ukraine is strengthening its defence capabilities, and in order to achieve a just peace it is important to scale up support in air defence, drone and missile production, as well as the supply of long-range artillery shells.
This was stated by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
“Ukraine, together with its partners, is strengthening its defence capabilities. At the same time, to achieve a just peace, it is important to scale up support in key areas: air defence, drone and missile production, as well as supplies of long-range artillery shells,” Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said during a speech at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference attended by military officials and government representatives from NATO countries, as well as defence tech experts.
The minister thanked the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) team for the invitation and for strong cooperation, and the UK government for its consistent support for Ukraine.
According to Fedorov, Ukraine is gradually achieving increasingly strong results in countering aerial threats, particularly thanks to the development of “small air defence”.
On the ground, the Defence Forces are increasing strikes on Russian logistics and hitting the Russian economy.
Drones play a key role on the battlefield. In particular, the Unmanned Systems Forces strike every fourth target on the frontline. Ukraine is taking steps to stay ahead of Russia in every technological cycle: scaling effective units, developing the “ePoints” system and other innovative solutions.
The minister outlined three key areas of support that Ukraine needs right now to maintain the initiative.
The first is air defence. Ukraine critically needs Patriot missiles, particularly PAC-3. That is why the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism is important. According to Fedorov, Ukraine continues to face two main challenges: ballistic missiles and guided aerial bombs.
“Together with partners, we are working to deprive Russia of this advantage,” the Defence Minister noted.
The second priority is scaling up Ukrainian drone and missile production. 2026 will be a record year for drone production, but Ukraine can further increase output with sufficient funding. Soon, for the first time, Ukraine will also open exports of its solutions to strategic partners.
The third priority is long-range artillery ammunition. Ukraine needs shells with a range of at least 30 km. Scaling and accelerating support in these areas will help strengthen Ukraine’s position and bring a just peace closer.
The minister also spoke about the first stage of military service transformation.
The key change is the transition to a new contract-based system with clear conditions and defined service terms. Ukraine is launching new simplified transfer mechanisms, setting the highest level of pay for infantry and assault units, and preparing further transformation steps.
