According to its own statements, Ukraine has significantly increased the production of defense equipment in 2023, despite constant Russian airstrikes. “Overall, we have tripled our production this year,” Olexander Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries, told journalists in Kiev today.
Almost a third of the 4.9 percent economic growth was generated by arms companies. In total, around 300,000 workers are currently employed in the 500 mostly private companies.
Gunpowder in short supply around the world
According to the minister, Kiev increased, among other things, the production of mortars by 42 times. The production of artillery shells almost tripled.
For grenades with a NATO caliber of 155 millimeters, there is still a dependence on Western supplies. However, Kiev is working on creating its own production. “We plan to transition to series production next year,” Kamyshin announced. However, one problem is the acquisition of gunpowder, which is scarce throughout the world.
One million mini drones
Furthermore, Ukraine now produces six Bohdana self-propelled howitzers every month. According to the minister, the production of infantry fighting vehicles and armored vehicles has also increased significantly. However, this is still a long way from meeting your own needs.
Most of the drones used in frontline operations already come from our own production. More than a million first-person view drones – manually controlled drones whose flight can be tracked by the device's camera – are expected to be produced by 2024.