Zelensky: Over 40% of Ukraine's Battlefield Weapons Domestically Produced

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that over 40% of the weapons used by Ukrainian forces on the front lines are now produced domestically, reflecting significant growth in Ukraine’s defense industry in response to Russia’s invasion. The sector currently manufactures more than a thousand types of weapons, including artillery, missiles, and drones, and employs around 300,000 people. Despite this progress, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine still relies heavily on foreign arms, particularly tanks, armored vehicles, and advanced air defense systems, and has requested further aid such as Patriot systems from the United States. Ukraine is also expanding international cooperation within its arms industry, with countries like Denmark directly purchasing Ukrainian-made arms. To support ongoing production, Ukraine has allocated a substantial portion of its budget to defense manufacturing and aims to further increase domestic capabilities in the future. Zelensky underscored the importance of maintaining both technological superiority and robust international support for Ukraine’s continued defense.