Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the country’s defence sector by producing half of all weapons domestically within six months, in what he’s calling a “strategic necessity” amid ongoing Russian aggression.
The announcement, made during a televised address this week, came alongside a major government reshuffle and a renewed push to accelerate Ukraine’s military-industrial capabilities. Zelensky confirmed that the domestic production of arms has already reached 40%, but that a fast-track programme is now underway to boost that number to 50% by early 2026.
“We must become truly self-reliant,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine has proven its resilience on the battlefield, now we must prove it in the factory.”
To support this effort, the government has committed over $6.2 million to a national drone-interception initiative, aiming to strengthen air defences around Kyiv and other major cities. The investment will focus heavily on autonomous and electronic warfare systems designed to neutralise Russian drone attacks, which have intensified in recent months.
The push for homegrown weaponry is also part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to wean itself off foreign dependency. While Western nations continue to provide critical military aid, Zelensky made it clear that true sovereignty means building an industry capable of standing on its own.
Ukraine’s arms manufacturers are already forming joint ventures with international defence companies, including partners from the UK, Germany, and the US. These collaborations are bringing cutting-edge technologies into Ukrainian factories, where local engineers and military experts are adapting them for frontline use.
Military analysts believe that boosting domestic production will not only speed up logistics and reduce costs, but also allow Ukraine to innovate in ways tailored to its specific battlefield needs.
However, challenges remain. The country’s defence infrastructure has been under strain since the war began in 2022, with factories relocated from frontline areas and skilled labour in short supply due to conscription and displacement. Zelensky acknowledged these obstacles but insisted the government is “fully committed to overcoming them.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment. While the Ukrainian military has made gains in repelling Russian advances, the war has shifted into a gruelling battle of attrition, one where long-term supply chains could make or break the outcome.
Zelensky’s vision is not just about war fighting, it’s about building the foundation for a modern, resilient Ukrainian defence industry that will shape the country’s future far beyond this conflict.
