All articles tagged with #weapons production
Ukraine seeks $6 billion in 2025 to address its weapons production shortfall, focusing on developing drone interceptors and increasing domestic drone capabilities, with international support coordinated through the Ramstein format meeting of 52 countries.
Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv, injuring 17 people, while also targeting Mykolaiv and capturing a village in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian paramilitary groups continued cross-border attacks on Russian regions, and Russia handed over six Ukrainian children to Ukraine. A Russian poet was jailed for criticizing the invasion, while two students were imprisoned for attempted sabotage. Russia's production of artillery shells and bombs has increased significantly, and NATO called for urgent aid to Ukraine. Hungary declined to join a plan to deliver ammunition, while Australia joined an international drone coalition to support Ukraine.
As Western military aid to Ukraine becomes uncertain, Ukrainian arms manufacturers are ramping up production of weapons and ammunition to defend against Russian aggression. Companies like Ukrainian Armor Design and Manufacturing Co. are producing mortar launchers, armored vehicles, and other weapons to meet the growing demand from Ukrainian troops. Despite receiving some advanced weaponry from the U.S. and the EU, Ukraine remains dependent on Western support, but is also focusing on localizing arms production to enhance its independence. However, challenges persist as Ukraine faces a shortage of ammunition and the need to counter Russian military capabilities.
France is ramping up weapons production for Ukraine, including the delivery of Caesar artillery systems and increased supplies of shells, as it seeks to support Ukraine's war effort against Russia's invasion. The French defense minister announced plans to fund the delivery of 78 Caesar self-propelled 155 mm howitzers to Ukraine and emphasized the need for endurance in military aid for Kyiv, as Russia intensifies its military operations. France and other backers of Ukraine are seeking ways to continue supplying defense needs for the long haul while avoiding depleting their own military stocks.
On day 653 of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia launched Iranian-designed attack drones, damaging port infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region and killing one civilian. Ukraine urged residents to save electricity after a thermal power plant was shelled, causing serious damage. The UN called on Russia to stop attacks on civilians and infrastructure, while Ukraine's allies have scaled back their pledges of new aid. European Union officials urged China to press Russia to end the war, but a Chinese official said they couldn't sway Moscow. Japan promised $4.5bn in aid to Ukraine, and the UK suggested seizing frozen Russian assets to help rebuild the country. Ukraine also signed an agreement with the US to develop weapons production.
The Biden administration is seeking congressional approval for a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, including weapons, as both Washington and Kyiv aim for Ukraine to produce its own weapons in the long term. Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, Alexander Kamyshin, emphasizes the importance of U.S. aid in the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that while they are working to ramp up local production, they cannot meet the armed forces' needs alone and require assistance from foreign providers.
The IDF eliminated Mahsan Abu-Zina, the head of Hamas's Weapons and Industries Department, in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip. Abu-Zina was a key figure in producing weapons for Hamas, specializing in strategic ammunition and rockets. This comes as part of ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with the IDF also targeting terrorist cells planning attacks on Israeli forces. UNRWA claimed that an IDF strike hit one of its schools, but the organization has previously acknowledged the military use of its facilities by Hamas.
Ukraine's Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, aims to transform Ukraine into a weapons production hub for the West, with approximately 500 companies in Ukraine's defense industry contributing to the country's efforts. Kamyshin highlights the need for countries to invest in defense systems, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ukraine has significantly scaled up local arms production, manufacturing various types of weapons and ammunition, including drones, armored vehicles, and missiles. The industry has grown exponentially, enhancing Ukraine's capabilities to strike inside Russia. Kamyshin seeks international cooperation and joint production of weapons, with over 60 companies from the US, UK, France, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Turkey expressing interest. However, Ukraine will still depend on foreign supply due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Intense battles continue in eastern Ukraine as the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down 30 out of 40 Russian drones launched in an overnight attack. Russia continues to target port infrastructure and disrupt power supply. Romania reports a possible violation of its airspace during the drone attacks. The UK's Ministry of Defence reveals that Russia plans to rely on private armies in its war against Ukraine. Russia marks a year since claiming annexation of Ukrainian regions, while Slovakia's opposition party denies accusations of being pro-Russian. The EU's foreign policy chief visits Odesa and witnesses the war's effects. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announces the establishment of the Defence Industries Alliance to boost domestic weapons production, with agreements signed with foreign partners. NATO Secretary General emphasizes the need for military capabilities and defense industry support in Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed the military's top general and called for increased preparations for war, including boosting weapons production and expanding military drills. Kim made these comments at a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea, where he also visited weapons factories and called for the production of more missile engines and artillery. The report also mentioned preparations for a militia parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited major arms factories and called for increased weapons production, including engines for strategic cruise missiles and armed unmanned aerial vehicles. The inspections come ahead of joint military drills between South Korea and the US, which North Korea views as rehearsals for invasion. Last month, North Korea held a large military parade showcasing its nuclear-capable systems, and recently hosted a defense expo displaying advanced weaponry to the visiting Russian defense minister.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited major weapons factories, inspecting production lines for engines of strategic cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as factories producing shells for super large-caliber multiple rocket launchers and transporter-erector-launchers. Kim emphasized the need to increase production capacities to bolster the country's defense capabilities. These visits come amid North Korea's push to develop various strategic and conventional weapons, including recent displays of nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones. The United States has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia for its war with Ukraine, but both countries have denied these claims.
Newly-produced Russian cruise missiles have been used against Ukraine, indicating that Russia's stockpile of munitions has become so thin that weapons are being used in the war just a few months after assembly. The discovery implies that Moscow is facing serious stockpile issues and increased production pressure that "might not be indefinitely sustainable." The news comes as Britain warns Russia is trying to rebuild its cruise missile stockpile.