Ukraine invests over $7 billion in defense industry – Defense Minister

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this during a panel discussion at the "Ukraine 2024. Independence" forum.

He emphasized ongoing efforts to combat corruption in partnership with anti-corruption agencies and highlighted advancements in procurement and defense industry investments.

"We've set up agencies focused on rear support and defense procurement, covering both lethal and non-lethal needs. Working with the government and Verkhovna Rada, we've invested over $7 billion into our defense sector. These funds have been a massive boost, especially when international technical assistance wasn't available. From military technologies to drones, EW, and ground robotics, the Ministry of Defense has been proactive. We also created a unified conscription register and situational awareness systems. Apps like Reserve+ and Army+ have been launched, with Veteran+ coming soon, courtesy of the Ministry of Veterans and the Ministry of Digital Transformation," Umerov explained.

The Defense Minister stressed the importance of long-term planning "to build the Security and Defense Forces Future Force — a model we'll maintain when we're in NATO." He added that Ukraine has devised medium- and long-term plans for the Armed Forces to conduct defensive, stabilization, and offensive actions.

Umyerov also underscored Kyiv's request for Western partners to allow the Ukrainian military to strike deep within Russian territory using long-range weapons.

"Our asymmetric response to Russia is strengthening our military capabilities, ensuring we can retaliate against every shelling and threat to our land," the minister asserted.

• On August 26, following a massive Russian attack, Defense Minister Umerov assured that Ukraine is preparing its response, including the development of Ukrainian weapons.