For the third year in a full-scale war, Ukraine has not only effectively defended itself against Russian aggression, but has also successfully developed its defense industry. In recent years, the country has significantly increased the production of military equipment and weapons, which has strengthened its defense capabilities. The use of advanced technologies and the modernization of production facilities helps strengthen Ukraine’s independence in ensuring security and its ability to withstand external threats.
One of the main achievements is the development of the Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Ukraine plans to produce 4 million drones in 2024. Their role on the battlefield continues to grow. Ukrainian drones help strike key military infrastructure of Russia, including ammunition depots and oil storage facilities. Recently, Ukraine continues to attack Russian critical facilities, demonstrating its growing capabilities and technical superiority. In May 2024, a Ukrainian drone attacked the Voronezh-M radar station in Orsk, setting a new distance record — more than 1,800 km deep inside Russia. The station, designed to detect strategic threats such as ballistic missiles, played a vital role in Russia’s early warning system. Its destruction is a serious blow to Russia’s defense capabilities.
In September, Ukrainian UAV’s carried out a large-scale attack on energy facilities in the Moscow region, including two power plants and the Kapotnya Refinery. The object was on fire, several facilities were damaged, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to strike enemy critical infrastructure.
Ukrainian drones have also been used to strike a variety of military targets deep inside Russia, including fighter jets, fuel tanks, and air defense systems. These successful operations demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to conduct strategic operations and disrupt Russia’s critical military infrastructure.
Ukraine has significantly increased the production of artillery and mortar ammunition, achieving impressive results. In the first half of 2024, production volumes increased 25 times compared to 2022. This was made possible by the national resources and the dynamic development of the defense industry. In order to achieve minimal dependence on external supplies, Ukraine is actively producing its own weapons. As a result of these efforts, every second munition used on the front lines is now Ukrainian-made, which underlines the country’s success in creating a reliable and self-sufficient defense industry.
One of the key achievements of the Ukrainian defense industry is the Palyanitsya missile drone, which effectively strikes strategic targets in Russia, including oil refineries and logistics facilities. Palyanitsya demonstrates high speed and power, allowing Ukraine to successfully attack important military targets. The Ukrainian Armed Forces also have the Bober, Lyutiy, and Valkiriya attack drones, which are used to strike enemy frontline and rear targets. The Lyutiy kamikaze drone is effective at a distance of over 1,000 km, hitting strategically important objects.
The Cobra and KH-S7 drones were also developed as inexpensive but effective means of attacking military targets. The Cobra can carry up to 15 kg of payload, while the KH-S7 is an FPV drone for precision strikes on moving targets. These drones help Ukraine maintain a high level of defense potential in the face of a greater force.
Despite its impressive gains, Ukraine’s resources are limited. Modern military operations require constant supplies of shells and military equipment, especially in conditions where every second shell fired at Russian positions is produced in Ukraine. Even with such large-scale production, Western assistance is needed to maintain a sustainable defense. Ukraine effectively uses the donated weapons, but to achieve a decisive advantage it needs further support. This includes the supply of air defense systems and permission to use long-range Western weapons to strike Russian military targets. Russia continues to threaten not only Ukraine, but also other European countries, including Moldova, the Baltic States, Poland and Finland.
Today, Ukraine is defending not only its territory, but also the entire European continent from an aggressor threatening the stability of the region. Ukraine has done everything needed to justify the need for strikes on military targets deep inside Russia. Now the Western partners should stop hesitating and support Ukraine. To allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian territory is to strengthen the country’s defense, weaken the aggressor’s capabilities and bring a just peace closer. Systematic support for Ukraine is not only a contribution to the victory of democracy, but also to ensuring the security of all of Europe.