Ukraine continues to bolster its defense capabilities through innovation and backing from international partners. Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, made this statement at the International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC2) hosted in Kyiv.

“We have already invested $4 billion in advancing the Ukrainian industry. Next year, we plan to increase funding. Our priority is the development of domestic drones and long-range weapons, including ballistic missiles,” Rustem Umerov emphasized at the event organized jointly with the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The Minister highlighted the Ministry of Defence's efforts to engage foreign partners in establishing joint enterprises to advance the defense sector. Vital elements of the cooperation encompass the conclusion of long-term contracts for producing, supplying, and maintaining weapons to support the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine adequately.

“I thank all our partners who joined the DFNC2 Forum today. With the support of our allies and the agreements reached at the previous year's Forum, Ukraine's defense industry has notably improved its capabilities. The recent new agreements and partnerships confirm that we are heading in the right direction,” said Herman Smetanin, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine.

More than 280 companies participated in this year's Forum. Important agreements were signed during the event to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities. The Forum marked a significant milestone in securing financial support from partners and advancing the growth of the Ukrainian defense industry.

“One of our priorities is to develop Ukraine's defense industry by strengthening international cooperation and attracting foreign investment. We will continue these efforts together with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry for Strategic Industries,” said Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, during the Forum.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov thanked the teams of the Ministry of Strategic Industries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their support in organizing the Forum, as well as to international partners—the governments, enterprises, and engineers of the allies who invest in Ukraine and believe in our victory!