By Jack Lopresti Former Member of UK Parliament from 2010 to 2024
Despite the ongoing full-scale war with Russia, Ukraine has made significant strides in developing its defense industry. Over the past few years, the country has dramatically increased the production of military equipment and advanced its technological capabilities. This industrial growth has not only bolstered Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, but also strengthened its independence in terms of security and resilience. Ukraine’s achievements reflect its ability to rapidly modernize production facilities, innovate in military technology, and reduce reliance on foreign weaponry.
A major highlight of Ukraine’s defence achievements is the rapid growth of its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Ukraine aims to produce 4 million drones in 2024, underscoring their increasing importance in modern warfare. Ukrainian drones have proven to be a vital asset on the battlefield, enabling precise strikes on key Russian military targets, including ammunition depots, radar stations, and energy facilities.
Notably, Ukrainian drones have been able to conduct operations deep inside Russian territory. A Ukrainian drone recently set a distance record by striking a Voronezh-M radar station more than 1800 kilometers inside Russia. This radar station, crucial for Russia’s early warning system, was a significant strategic target. In September 2024, Ukrainian UAVs also launched attacks on energy facilities in Moscow’s vicinity, damaging power plants and oil refineries, which further demonstrates Ukraine’s growing ability to disrupt Russia’s critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has also achieved significant success in producing artillery and mortar ammunition, a crucial factor in maintaining effective resistance on the frontlines. In the first half of 2024, Ukraine increased its production of artillery and mortar rounds by 25 times compared to 2022.
The increased capacity has made Ukraine more self-sufficient, with about 50% of the ammunition used in battle now being domestically produced. This achievement has reduced Ukraine’s dependence on external suppliers, and increased its ability to sustain prolonged combat operations against Russian forces.
In the UAV sector, Ukraine has developed several highly effective attack drones, including the Palyanitsya missile drone, which has been used to strike strategic Russian targets such as oil refineries and logistics centers. This drone combines high speed and firepower, allowing it to successfully penetrate Russian defenses and hit key military infrastructure.
Other advanced drones in Ukraine’s arsenal include the Bober, Lyutiy, and Valkiriya attack drones. These drones are used to strike both front-line targets and more distant strategic objectives. The Lyutiy kamikaze drone, with a range exceeding 1000 kilometers, has been instrumental in hitting strategically important sites in Russia.
In addition to high-end drones, Ukraine has developed more affordable yet effective UAV options like the Cobra and KH-S7 drones. The Cobra can carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms, making it suitable for military strikes on various targets. The KH-S7, an FPV (First-Person View) drone, is designed for precision strikes on moving targets.
Despite Ukraine’s impressive progress in developing its defense industry, the country faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of resources. Modern warfare demands a constant supply of military equipment and ammunition. Even with the large-scale production of shells, Ukraine still relies on Western assistance to sustain its defense efforts.
Ukraine has made good use of the military aid provided by its Western allies, but continues to require additional support to gain a decisive edge in the conflict. In particular, the country seeks air defence systems to protect its cities and infrastructure, as well as the ability to use long-range Western weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory.
Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression extends beyond defending its own borders—it is also about ensuring the security and stability of the broader European region. Russia’s military actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to neighboring countries, including Moldova, the Baltic States, Poland, and Finland.
By striking military targets deep inside Russia, Ukraine is undermining Russia’s capacity to wage war, which is critical for regional security. These strikes are not only justified but necessary to weaken the aggressor and move closer to a just and lasting peace.
Western nations including the UK must continue to provide support to Ukraine, recognizing that doing so contributes to the defense of democracy and the stability of Europe as a whole. Allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian military infrastructure would further strengthen its defence and accelerate the end of the conflict.
