Record defense budget: Ukrainian government to buy 30,000 long-range drones in 2025

Ukraine has approved the largest budget in its history for strengthening the army supplies and defense industry – UAH 2.23 trillion ($53 billion). The government will allocate at least UAH 739 billion ($17.6 billion) to purchase weapons and military equipment.

The government is launching long-term contracts with manufacturers for 3-5 years as part of the Weapons of Victory initiative. The key objectives for 2025 include the production of at least 30,000 long-range drones, 3,000 cruise missiles, and drone missiles.

Ukraine also plans to introduce the “Danish model” of international cooperation, under which foreign partners will purchase weapons from the Ukrainian defense industry for the Armed Forces’ needs. In 2025, this model is expected to attract more than $1 billion.

Another significant expenditure item is creating a modern shelter system to protect the population. The state plans to implement this project in partnership with private companies, using the Finnish model Shmyhal reviewed in October 2024 as a reference.