The Metinvest Group, led by businessman Rinat Akhmetov, is set to broaden its production of steel shelters and aims to introduce these products to international markets. This initiative was discussed during a recent conference focused on integrating human resources and technology in wartime conditions, as well as boosting arms production and sustaining public morale as the conflict enters its fifth year.
At the event, an exhibition showcased products from Ukrainian manufacturers designed for defense forces. Among the displays were drones, robotic systems, and armored vehicles, including a steel underground shelter specifically designed for military use, which attendees were able to inspect.
According to company representative Myronenko, the development of these shelters began on February 24, 2022, when Metinvest sought solutions to strengthen defenses in Zaporizhzhia. The basic design, made from corrugated steel, was refined to meet military specifications, increasing both the diameter and length while enhancing protective features.
Currently, these shelters are being deployed across various active conflict zones, from Kharkiv to Kherson. They have also been utilized to construct two underground hospitals in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions, along with several command points.
Metinvest plans to significantly ramp up production of these shelters. The company emphasizes that a predictable state order over the next three to six years is essential for scaling operations. This would enable them to plan production volumes, invest in manufacturing capabilities, and create new jobs.
“We are collaborating with relevant ministries to establish clear timelines and order parameters. Additionally, we are in discussions with potential foreign partners to expand production and access international markets,” Myronenko stated.
To date, under the initiative dubbed the ‘Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov,’ approximately 900 shelters have already been delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Metinvest is expanding its production of steel shelters for military use, aiming to enter international markets. The company seeks long-term state orders to facilitate growth and has already supplied around 900 shelters to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.