Ukraine's defense production soars: Cruise missiles and drones see massive growth in 2024

In 2024, Ukraine significantly ramped up its defense production, with cruise missile output increasing eightfold compared to the previous year.

The country also boosted the production of long-range drones and expanded its overall weapons manufacturing capacity, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

The milestone was announced by Herman Smetanin, Ukraine's Minister of Strategic Industries, during a briefing dedicated to the Day of the Armament Worker.

Smetanin highlighted that last year marked an extraordinary growth for Ukraine’s defense industry. While just a few years ago, Ukraine only produced one type of cruise missile, the "Neptune," it now has a wide range of new products that have contributed to an eightfold increase in production volume since 2023.

The Ministry of Strategic Industries also reported a remarkable rise in long-range drone production. The output of these drones more than doubled compared to 2023 and surged an impressive 22 times compared to 2022.

In 2024, Ukraine created a total of 324 new weapon systems, with the total value of weapons produced reaching 9 billion dollars. Smetanin added, "We are already seeing growth this year. By the end of the year, we aim to produce military equipment and weapons worth 35 billion dollars within Ukraine."

Alongside these achievements, Ukraine’s presidential advisor on strategic matters, Alexander Kamyshin, noted that Ukraine's domestic defense industry is now capable of supplying almost all the necessary military equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Today, estimates suggest that 30% to 40% of what our troops are using on the front lines is made in Ukraine," Kamyshin said. "This is also a significant part of our economy. As of last year, a substantial portion of our GDP comes from the defense sector. After we win the war, I’m confident we will be able to export our weapons."

Looking ahead, in January 2025, Smetanin shared that Ukraine plans to attract up to 20 billion dollars to further increase weapons production, focusing on long-range missiles, air defense systems, and drones.

Additionally, in February 2025, it was reported that French arms manufacturer Thales and Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate, Ukroboronprom, had reached an agreement to establish a joint venture.

In another breakthrough, Vice Prime Minister for Innovations, Education, Science, and Technology, Mykhailo Fedorov, revealed that Ukraine's Defense Forces could soon be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including drones that will operate as a unified swarm.