Ukraine's ammunition production skyrockets in first half of 2024, surpassing 2022 year's output by 25 times – Zelensky
Photo: Office of the President
Despite being in the midst of a large-scale war and facing relentless attacks from Russia, the Ukrainians managed to establish a nearly new defense sector. In just the first six months of this year, Ukraine manufactured 25 times the amount of ammunition for artillery and mortars compared to all of 2022.
According to Ukrinform, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at the opening of the Second International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC2).
"In tough conditions of a full-scale war under constant Russian strikes, Ukrainians were able to build a virtually new defense industry. Today, everyone can see this new Ukrainian ability. Only in the first half of this year, Ukraine produced 25 times more ammunition for artillery and mortars than in the whole of 2022," Zelensky said.
Separately, he emphasized that a new repair base for equipment was created in Ukraine.
"In particular, in June of this year, the first repaired Marder infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine already rolled off the assembly line. We are working to ensure that we in Ukraine can one hundred percent provide everything necessary for our Bradleys and other equipment that help our soldiers hold the front and perform vital tasks for the entire country," the President said.
He said this is only part of the new Ukrainian defense complex.
"If years ago, unfortunately, the Ukrainian defense industry looked helpless, now it is an industry on the way to leadership, at least in Europe. This is an industry that Ukraine can rightly be proud of again," Zelensky said.
Photo: Office of the President
He expressed gratitude to all Ukrainian business people and partners worldwide who have chosen to invest in the development of weapon production in Ukraine.
"Ukraine guarantees that we will use this new power to strengthen global stability," Zelensky emphasized.
He said the forum will include delegates from dozens of countries and hundreds of defense companies worldwide. He highlighted that additional agreements will be made during the forum and that significant documents will be signed.
Photo: Office of the President
"These are companies that will come to work for us in Ukraine. This is localization in Ukraine. This is an exchange of ideas and expansion of our common experience," the President concluded.
For reference:
As reported, the First International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC1) was held in Kyiv a year ago, on September 30, 2023. The event was attended by manufacturers of tanks, artillery, drones, and ammunition, developers of innovative software, owners of unique complex technologies from partner countries, and Ukrainian state and private enterprises of the defense-industrial complex—both extensive groups of companies and defense-tech startups.
