Ukraine's Soviet-style air defense systems are being modernized and Ukraine has created its own ballistic missile. This is reported by Dengi.ua with reference to words of Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Brigadier General Anatoliy Klochko.
The general said that in 2024 the Ukrainian defense industry made a significant step forward - the use of about 170 units of domestic ammunition was approved. Most of them are intended for unmanned aerial vehicles, including 155-mm caliber. The country also launched serial production of nationally developed cruise missiles, and the Buk anti-aircraft missile system actually got a new life thanks to its upgrade and adaptation to modern missiles.
"The Buk SAM system has received a second life. Today it is armed with other missiles, it is already performing combat missions. The S-300 is also awaiting big changes. This work is being done, we are not standing still. When the time comes, we will talk about it. We will tell about it when there will be a practical result," Anatoly Klochko emphasized.
According to him, modernization measures are still mostly at the design stage. However, more tangible results are expected already in the second half of 2025.
He also said that the successful testing of the first Ukrainian ballistic missile "Sapsan" became a landmark event. At the state level, this event was described as strategically important, as it demonstrates a serious strengthening of Ukraine's defense potential.
"Ballistics is not just a weapon. It is a tool of strategic deterrence, which allows hitting the enemy's rear targets, disrupting its logistics and command centers," Klochko noted.
In addition, last year the Defense Ministry significantly stepped up cooperation with the private defense sector - more than 20 new companies were involved in the production of ammunition. Thanks to the changes in the regulatory framework, in particular, the updating of the Cabinet of Ministers' resolutions, it has become easier to introduce new weapons models to the troops.
Klochko also noted that today the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is building a new concept of warfare, which is based on close integration of various strike means - drones, missiles and munitions - with air and missile defense systems.
"We are not only creating individual weapons. We are forming a complete combat system capable not only to deter, but also to destroy," - said the Deputy Minister.
