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Ukraine Triples Defense Production and Leads in Artillery Systems

Apr 11, 2025 21:26

1 min read

Authors: Tommy Syrmolotov
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A military operator launches a FlyEye WB Electronics SA, a Polish reconnaissance drone, bought in the frame of program 'The Army of Drones' during test flights in the Kyiv region on August 2, 2022, prior to being sent to the front line. (Source: Getty)

Ukraine tripled its defense production in 2024, surpassing all Western nations combined in the output of towed and self-propelled artillery systems, according to officials at the Ukrainian Weapons 2024 briefing. The presentation outlined the country’s industrial gains and expanding military production capacity as the war with Russia enters its third year.

The total value of domestically produced military equipment rose from $3 billion in 2022 to $20 billion in 2024. Among the most notable developments was the rollout of an upgraded version of the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer, now in full-scale production. Ukraine also increased its output of mortar and artillery shells by 2.4 times compared to the previous year.

Despite these advances, defense factories are currently operating at only around 50 percent capacity. Officials said that with additional investment, production could be scaled up quickly to meet future military requirements.

The surge in output has been supported by growing foreign investment and joint ventures with Western defense firms. A key example is Ukraine’s partnership with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, aimed at servicing NATO-standard equipment and expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities.

In autumn 2024, Rheinmetall announced plans to establish four defense factories in Ukraine.