Ukraine’s defense industry delivered its most ambitious wartime gains to date in 2024, tripling domestic weapons production, becoming the world’s leading manufacturer of FPV drones, and advancing new technologies in missiles, robotics, and air defense. These achievements were detailed during the Ukrainian Weapons 2024 briefing, where officials outlined progress across public and private defense sectors.
The presentation also highlighted record levels of foreign investment, breakthroughs in component localization, and the growing role of battlefield-driven innovation.
Defense production triples in one year
Ukraine’s domestic military production surged from $3 billion in 2022 to $20 billion in 2024. Artillery systems led the expansion, with Ukraine now producing more towed and self-propelled units than all NATO countries combined. Output of mortar and artillery shells rose by 2.4 times, while a new version of the Bohdana howitzer entered full-scale production.
Despite this growth, defense factories are running at just 50% capacity, leaving room for rapid expansion if additional funding is secured.
Private sector collaboration boosts artillery and armored vehicle production
Another key trend in 2024 was increased cooperation between private Ukrainian defense manufacturers. Companies are working together to localize various systems, integrate technologies such as electronic warfare (EW) onto robotic platforms and armored vehicles, and align production strategies to meet frontline needs. This collaboration has helped scale the production of artillery systems and munitions ranging from 30mm to 155mm calibers.
Ukraine has also ramped up output of armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery, currently producing 10 Bohdana howitzers per month with a stated capacity of up to 180. Officials noted that Ukraine is now positioned as one of the strongest artillery producers in Europe, with growing interest from international companies to partner with Ukrainian firms.
FPV drone production reaches global scale
Ukraine manufactured over 2.2 million FPV drones in 2024, making it the largest producer in the world. The production includes a growing share of domestically made components, such as motors and cameras.
New variants include fiber-optic drones that offer better control in electronic warfare environments. The Ministry of Defense estimates Ukraine’s industry could produce up to 10 million FPV drones annually if required.
Brave1 platform drives rapid innovation
More than 500 defense tech projects were funded through the Brave1 innovation platform, enabling new capabilities in unmanned systems, AI integration, and battlefield robotics.
The platform has helped over 260 companies move from concept to deployment, including dozens of codified robotic ground systems and interceptors for loitering munitions.
Air defense development underway
While Ukraine does not yet produce systems equivalent to the US-made Patriot, a domestic air defense project is in development. Discussions are ongoing with Western partners about localizing some production of advanced systems in Ukraine. Officials confirmed the recent establishment of a new military division focused on space-based intelligence.
Evacuation robots begin field deployment
Ground-based robotic systems have expanded in role and scale, including recent deployments of compact evacuation robots used to retrieve wounded personnel under fire.
One such system, named Ardal, was used to rescue three soldiers after 10 days in a contested area. A new R&D initiative, backed by private funding, is focused on scaling these systems in 2025.
Drone interceptors deployed to counter Shahed attacks
Ukrainian-made drones are now being used to intercept Shahed loitering munitions in urban areas. A pilot project in Kyiv region demonstrated successful results and is now being expanded to other regions.
Officials emphasized that this marks a significant addition to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, though further integration and training are needed for nationwide deployment.
Foreign investment exceeds $1.5 billion
Ukraine secured more than $1.5 billion in foreign investment for defense production in 2024, including strategic partnerships with companies such as Rheinmetall.
The country also implemented the Danish model of procurement, allowing Ukraine to define its own defense priorities while receiving funding from European partners.
Previously, on March 4, Rheinmetall’s CEO Armin Papperger, said in an interview with Deutsche Welle that the company would establish a repair center in Ukraine for German-made tanks and artillery.
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