President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised Ukraine’s defense industry, highlighting its rapid development, growing global role, and critical contribution to the country’s war effort and future security partnerships.
He described Ukraine’s military strength as something “forged in battle, in pain, in fire,” emphasizing that modern Ukrainian weapons embody precision, long-range capability, and the nation’s determination to defend its independence and achieve a just peace.
Zelensky marked the professional holiday of Ukraine’s arms makers, calling them “invisible heroes” whose work in production facilities, design bureaus, and laboratories delivers tangible results on the battlefield every day. Over the past four years, he noted, Ukraine has built a new defense industry that is large-scale, effective, and increasingly impressive.
According to the president, Ukraine now produces a wide range of military equipment, including missiles, unmanned systems, air defense interceptors, naval and attack drones, reconnaissance systems, artillery, ammunition, armored vehicles, and robotic platforms. He stressed that weapons labeled “Made in Ukraine” have become synonymous with effectiveness and strength, helping defend cities, protect lives, and strengthen national resilience.
Zelensky highlighted the scale of production, which includes millions of FPV drones annually, as well as significant quantities of shells and long-range strike capabilities. He pointed to domestically developed missile systems such as Flamingo, Ruta, Peklo, Neptune, Palianytsia, and Vilkha, noting that these are no longer just in development but already in active use.
He also emphasized Ukraine’s growing long-range capabilities, including drone strikes reaching up to 1,750 kilometers. These operations, he said, are not about setting records but about ensuring accountability and delivering justice against aggression.
A key innovation, Zelensky noted, is the increasing use of unmanned ground systems. He cited a recent operation in which an enemy position was captured entirely by robotic platforms without infantry involvement or Ukrainian casualties. Systems such as Ratel, TerMIT, Ardal, Rys, Zmiy, Protector, and Volia have collectively carried out more than 22,000 missions in just three months, saving lives by replacing soldiers in the most dangerous situations.
The president stressed that Ukraine is now among global leaders in security and defense technology. Ukrainian combat experience and military expertise are in high demand internationally, forming the basis for new long-term security partnerships rather than traditional arms sales.
He noted ongoing cooperation with countries in the Middle East and Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, particularly in countering drone threats. Ukraine is also in communication with Kuwait, Oman, Türkiye, and Syria, while countries in Asia and Africa have expressed interest in Ukrainian defense expertise.
Zelensky underscored that these partnerships are designed to be mutually beneficial, bringing funding to Ukraine while strengthening global security. He added that discussions with European partners on a joint air defense system are expected soon, stressing that Ukraine’s integration into Europe’s security architecture is essential.
In the maritime domain, the president highlighted Ukraine’s unique combat experience in the Black Sea, including operations against enemy fleets, air attacks, and naval mines. He noted that Ukrainian naval drones such as Sea Baby, Magura, and Sargan are already well known and represent part of Ukraine’s export potential.
Zelensky also emphasized the scale of Ukraine’s artillery and ammunition production, as well as ongoing improvements in armored vehicles, all driven by the country’s defense industry.
He concluded by thanking everyone involved in the sector, from engineers and designers to factory workers and technicians, noting that Ukraine’s defense industry has transformed into a modern, powerful system. According to him, every new technological development brings the country closer to a lasting and dignified peace.
