During the final meeting of the Ukrainian government in 2024, the results of the past year were summarized, including aspects related to security and defense. It is important to note that the budget for this year allocated 1.7 trillion UAH for defense, while state revenues were planned at 1.77 trillion UAH, with expenditures reaching 3.35 trillion UAH, leading to a budget deficit that was covered by international partners.
As Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated, "literally every hryvnia collected within the country" was directed specifically towards defense. It was noted that as a result of these and private investments, the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry have increased sixfold.
"There are over 800 state and private companies working in the defense sector. More than a thousand types of weapons and equipment have been approved for use. Of these, half are of Ukrainian production," noted Denys Shmyhal. He also added that nearly 1 billion dollars was attracted through the "Danish model," where Western countries purchase Ukrainian weapons from Ukrainian manufacturing facilities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Regarding drone production, despite all doubts and skepticism about Ukraine's ability to produce 1 million drones per year, within the framework of the "Army of Drones" project, 1.2 million drones were procured, of which 96% are of Ukrainian production, meaning 1.15 million units. Considering that the "Army of Drones" is just one of the procurement programs, this indicates that Ukraine produces significantly more than 1.15 million drones annually, and these capacities are only expanding.
It was also mentioned that Ukraine is now producing more artillery systems "than any country in the free world." This directly refers to the production of the Ukrainian self-propelled artillery system "Bohdana" from the "Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant" (part of NAUDI).
Although the exact production figures are unknown, the Belgian analytical center Breugel estimated the pace in November at over 150 units per year. Meanwhile, the closest competitor, the French Caesar, produces up to 80 units. Additionally, the Ukrainian "Bohdana" has the lowest price and has proven to be more accurate than the PzH 2000.
"The missile program has made significant progress, and Ukrainian long-range weapons have been developed," the Cabinet of Ministers noted succinctly. At the same time, it should be recalled that this clearly refers to at least three publicly known projects: miniature, yet cruise missiles, classified as drone-missiles "Hell" and "Palyanytsya," as well as a long-range version of "Neptune," which has long been capable of striking ground targets.