Ukraine Boosts Domestic Missile Production Amidst Conflict with Russia

Ukraine has allocated additional funding to its domestic missile program to reduce its dependency on foreign missiles and enhance its defense capabilities against Russia. President Zelenskiy announced the increase in production, focusing on long-range strike drones and missiles like the Neptun.

Ukraine has allocated more funding to its domestic missile program as it seeks to narrow the gap in capabilities with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Tuesday. This move follows Ukraine's ongoing focus on long-range strike drones since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskiy, announcing the decision via the Telegram messaging app, provided few details but emphasized the prioritization of domestically produced missiles, such as the Neptun anti-ship missile. This missile also has the capability to target land objectives.

In a statement made in July, the Ukrainian president noted Kyiv's efforts to lessen its reliance on ally-supplied missiles for air defense and other purposes. Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has heavily relied on military aid from Western allies and has consistently urged these partners to permit the use of their supplied weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory.