The vulnerability of critical infrastructure to long-range munitions requires governments around the world to provide necessary weapons not only for their armed forces but also for almost the entire economy, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (2021–2024) Valerii Zaluzhnyi said at the UK-Ukraine Industrial Cooperation roundtable held during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
“Modern warfare clearly demonstrates how relatively small and inexpensive munitions can successfully operate over thousands of kilometers. Critical infrastructure and energy facilities are becoming especially vulnerable. In most countries, they are completely defenseless against such attacks. Therefore, the task of governments today is to provide the necessary weapons not only for the military but also for almost the entire economy,” Zaluzhnyi wrote on Facebook following the discussion.
He stressed that no one had done this before, but Ukraine is now implementing such an approach.
“Ukraine today is a laboratory of modern warfare. It is a place where a new military-technological component of the world is being formed. Our experience in UAVs, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence should shape the development of defense technologies in NATO countries, because this is primarily needed by the Alliance,” the diplomat said.
According to Zaluzhnyi, the United Kingdom remains one of Ukraine’s key strategic partners.
“Since 2022, it has already provided more than £13 billion in military assistance. This consistent support has laid the foundation for moving bilateral relations from a model of military aid to mutually beneficial partnership. It is very positive that this cooperation has reached a new level, where the main focus is not only supporting Ukraine but also jointly creating new production facilities,” he noted.
Zaluzhnyi thanked the organizers of the “UK-Ukraine Industrial Cooperation” event “for their efforts in developing joint production, investment, and technological cooperation.” He also reported on a “constructive conversation” with Air Vice-Marshal Mark J. Farrell, Director of the Ukraine Capability Hub at the UK Ministry of Defence, who oversees the military assistance program for Ukraine.
