**Ukraine’s Domestic Defense Production Booms, Says President Zelensky**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the country is now producing over 40% of its own weapons to defend against Russia’s invasion. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the government and businesses working together to scale up domestic defense production.
At the State and Business Forum in Kyiv on June 27, Zelensky highlighted the importance of Ukrainian entrepreneurship and innovation in this effort. He praised the country’s business sector for developing cutting-edge technologies, particularly in drone production. “Thanks to Ukrainian entrepreneurship and all the conditions we have created as a state, a new sector of our domestic manufacturing has emerged and immediately become one of the world’s most advanced — the production of drones of various types,” Zelensky said.
**Drone Production Takes Off**
Ukraine’s defense industry has made tremendous strides since 2022, with business-driven innovations playing a crucial role. The country has evolved from modifying commercial aircraft to producing military UAVs, attack drones, and reconnaissance systems at scale. According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Ukrainian companies have increased their industrial capacity to produce four million drones per year.
However, despite this progress, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine still lacks the financial backing to achieve its full potential in defense production. At the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24, he noted that the country could potentially produce eight million drones annually but requires significant investments to do so. In an effort to bridge this gap, Ukraine has signed agreements with the UK and Denmark for joint weapons production.
**Operation Spiderweb: A Success Story**
The use of Ukrainian drones in military operations has been a game-changer on the battlefield. The country’s audacious attack on four key military airfields in Russia, known as Operation Spiderweb, was carried out entirely with domestic drones. This operation showcased the effectiveness and reliability of Ukraine’s drone capabilities.
In conclusion, President Zelensky’s statement highlights the significant progress made by Ukraine in its defense production efforts. As the country continues to develop its industrial capacity, it is clear that Ukrainian businesses and government are committed to supporting each other in this endeavor. With further investments and international cooperation, Ukraine’s domestic defense production is poised for even greater growth.
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