Official announcements from the Ukrainian government or credible news reports

Ukraine Ramps Up Defense with 30,000 Drones, 3,000 Neptune Missiles, and ATACMS

Nov 19, 2024, 02:48 PM

Ukraine has significantly ramped up its defense production, with the country's defense minister, Rustem Umerov, announcing that over 100 R-360 Neptune cruise missiles have been produced this year. These missiles, including the R-360M Neptune-MD variant, have been modified to strike targets at longer distances, enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set ambitious targets for the coming year, aiming for the production of at least 30,000 long-range drones and 3,000 cruise missiles. This increase in production is part of Ukraine's strategy to bolster its defense against Russian aggression, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the use of long-range capabilities, including the newly acquired ATACMS missiles, to assert Ukraine's military reach. Additionally, Ukraine has developed the Palianytsia missile drone and produced over 2.5 million shells this year. Plans also include establishing a new technology center and developing countermeasures against Russian Shahed-type drones.