Ukraine’s defence industry now meets over 50% of Defence Forces’ needs and advances joint production with Europe

During the full-scale war, Ukraine’s defence industry has demonstrated unprecedented growth: production capacity has increased 50-fold, reaching $50 billion. As a result, domestic manufacturers now meet over half of the Defence Forces’ needs for weapons and military equipment.

Anna Gvozdiar, Adviser to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, made this statement at the “European Industrial Deterrence: Lessons and Implications from Ukraine and Europe” panel at the Munich Security Conference, where the focus this year was on political negotiations on Europe’s future security architecture and Ukraine’s contributions to it.

It is worth noting that, during the conference, Ukrainian defence manufacturers reached several agreements on joint production of reconnaissance UAVs, medium-range strike drones, multirotor drones, and unmanned ground systems.

“Ukraine has proven that it can swiftly expand defence manufacturing capacity even amid a full-scale war. We are emerging as a dependable partner, contributing to the development of Europe’s modern defence architecture, notably through joint production initiatives that enhance both national and partner capabilities,” Anna Gvozdiar noted.

At the Ukraine House — temporarily relocated from Davos to Munich for the conference — partners were given the opportunity to see first-hand the potential of Ukraine’s defence industry. In Munich, the ZBROYA exhibition showcased samples and mock-ups of modern Ukrainian weapon systems, including unmanned systems. Particular attention was drawn to an exhibit dedicated to countering Shahed-type drones.