Summary
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said 30% of Ukraine’s military equipment in 2024 was made domestically, showing the nation’s growing defense industry despite limited Western support.
Ukraine has expanded its production of weapons, including naval drones, missiles, and glide bombs, while foreign defense firms like Rheinmetall and BAE are establishing operations there.
Despite billions in aid, Ukraine faces equipment shortages and challenges from Russia’s larger military.
Experts criticize the West’s incremental aid approach, which complicates Ukraine’s strategic planning and may require further self-reliance if global support wanes.
Ukraine had a third of the USSR’s nuclear arsenal when it gained its independence. The also were part of creating them from the beginning stages. I would find it hard to imagine they couldnt have built more if they had set out too.