Ukraine already producing missiles together with Italy and Belgium - DM of Ukraine

Ukraine is currently integrating into the European defense industry and has joint projects with Italy and Belgium. According to Ukrinform, this was announced by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in his column for LB.

“Ukrainian cruise and ballistic missiles will allow our Armed Forces to act independently, delivering precision strikes on key enemy targets. This not only strengthens our defense, but also creates an effective mechanism for deterring the aggressor,” Umerov said.

He emphasized that Ukraine is not only developing its own potential but also integrating into the European defense industry. This cooperation makes it possible to localize the production of foreign technologies in Ukraine.

“Among the key projects are a joint program with Italy that involves Ukrainian manufacturers in increasing production capacity; a project with Belgium aimed at localizing the production of anti-aircraft systems and missiles at Ukrainian enterprises. These initiatives provide access to advanced developments and create opportunities for the modernization of the Ukrainian defense industry,” the minister said.

He reminded that this year Ukraine has already produced the first 100 missiles. This became possible thanks to the work of the Ministry of Defense, which coordinates both public and private initiatives in missile construction. In particular, the mass production of the R-360 cruise missiles of the Neptune complex has been restored and scaled up. The modified missiles are now capable of hitting targets at a longer range, Umerov noted.

According to him, private enterprises also demonstrate incredible results. For example, a new startup has implemented the Palianytsia missile project, which has already entered mass production thanks to the support of the Ministry of Defense.

Umerov assured that the Ministry of Defense is currently accelerating structural changes and creating conditions for more effective management of the missile program.

“The new Department for Support of Missile Projects and Missile Defense Facilities, as well as the Main Directorate for Missile Program Development, will coordinate the efforts of the state and the private sector. This program will not only provide modern weapons for today's battles, but also lay the foundation for the defense of the future. Ukrainian missiles will become a guarantor of the security of our state, capable of deterring any aggression,” Umerov emphasized, adding that the Ukrainian missile program is not only about war, it is about independence, self-sufficiency and technological breakthrough.

As Ukrinform reported, the day before, President Volodymyr Zelensky heard reports on the production of drones, missiles and artillery in Ukraine at a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff.