Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, Ukraine’s defense industry capabilities have increased dozens of times, and this potential must continue to grow. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during his speech at the third International Defense Industries Forum in Kyiv. The event was also attended by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
“Our potential in drone and missile production alone will reach $35 billion next year. Despite attacks and the inherent difficulty of building a defense industry — as weapons are technologically complex products requiring intricate development, production, and implementation — Ukrainians are creating a national defense product that, in many parameters, already surpasses many others globally,” Zelenskyy said.
The President noted the record speed and quality with which domestic artillery production has been established. Ukraine now produces 40 self-propelled artillery units “Bohdana” per month. In addition, last year Ukrainian manufacturers produced and delivered 2.4 million mortar and artillery rounds of various calibers to the front lines.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainians are the first in Europe to advance the development and deployment of drones: Ukrainian maritime drones have become a global defense sensation, enabling Ukraine to regain partial control of the Black Sea and pushing the Russian Black Sea fleet into distant bays for the first time. He added that the successful use of Ukrainian maritime drones has significantly influenced naval defense strategies of leading nations worldwide, while drones striking Russian oil assets demonstrate Ukraine’s considerable strength.
“Never in history has Ukrainian defense been so long-range and felt so directly by Russia. Combined with our other tools and those provided by our partners, we will be able to ensure reliable and sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. We must make the cost of war unacceptable for the aggressor. We will do this and respond to every strike against our people, cities, and communities,” the President stressed.
The President also highlighted the success of many Ukrainian strike drones, including “Lutiy,” Fire Point, SHARK, and “Bober.” Ukrainian manufacturers supply massive volumes of drones to the front — from FPV drones to ground robotic complexes. Over 40% of the weapons used on the front are Ukrainian-made.
“The task for manufacturers, the Ukrainian government, and all involved institutions is that by the end of the year, at least 50% of the weapons on the front must be our Ukrainian-made weapons. This goal must be achieved,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
Additionally, there is a focus on maximizing the production of interceptor drones and advancing Ukraine’s ballistic missile capabilities.
“We have successfully used our ‘Neptunes’ — our cruise missiles — and there will come a time when we can begin regularly deploying our own ballistic missiles. This is one of the key security tasks for the state and all enterprises and personnel responsible for Ukraine’s missile program,” the President noted.
He further stressed that Ukraine’s weapons production potential far exceeds what is funded through domestic resources and bilateral agreements with partners.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Netherlands and personally to Dick Schoof for defense packages, ongoing collaboration, and investment in Ukrainian defense. Ukraine has already moved to the next stage, creating joint defense production initiatives with key partners.
“It is time to launch exports of our Ukrainian weapons — the types we have in surplus and can export, generating funding for the weapons most urgently needed here in Ukraine for defense. I have already instructed the government, the Office, our entire team, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to develop and present the key elements of such an export system,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that agreements are already in place to establish export-import platforms in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.
“The goal is to have these key platforms operational by the end of the year. I expect that launching exports and new joint ventures, combined with attracting investment into Ukraine, will allow us to significantly scale up our defense industry,” he concluded.
Dick Schoof assured that Ukraine can rely on continued support from the Netherlands. He noted that the Netherlands also plans to play an important role in counter-drone programs, considering recent violations of European airspace by Russian UAVs. The Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine’s defense industry has demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges with ingenuity and determination, which makes the Netherlands interested in deepening cooperation and implementing various initiatives.
President Zelenskyy awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st Class, to Dick Schoof, and the Order of Merit, 3rd Class, to Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces General Eirik Kristoffersen and the Netherlands Ministry of Defense National Armaments Director Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman.
