During a recent address at the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Mykola Banik, emphasized the country’s defense industry’s significant potential and called for increased funding and support for critical military programs.
Banik stated that Ukraine could potentially produce up to 20 million drones annually and manufacture thousands of missiles for various purposes, including deep strikes and air defense systems.
Speaking via online platform to nearly 250 parliamentarians from NATO member states and partner nations gathered in Lithuania, Banik stressed the urgent need for enhanced international support and investment in Ukraine’s defense production. He urged allies to aim for a support level of $60 billion this year.
According to Banik, operational solutions are required to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the short term. Key areas for support include:
- Air defense systems and missiles for Patriot systems;
- 155mm artillery ammunition;
- Funding for supplies through the PURL mechanism;
- Direct investments in the production of Ukrainian drones and missiles.
Banik highlighted that with stable funding, Ukrainian enterprises could rapidly scale production to supply the front lines with necessary weaponry within a year.
He noted that Ukraine has already changed the nature of modern warfare, making it more technological and economically efficient. The use of medium-range strike drones allows for thousands of strikes each month, disrupting enemy logistics deep within their territory.
Additionally, Banik pointed to advancements in FPV drones and digital solutions that facilitate reconnaissance, data analysis, and real-time decision-making.
He also expressed Ukraine’s readiness to share combat experience, technologies, and data acquired during the conflict with allied nations. This collaboration, he argued, would strengthen NATO members’ defense capabilities and foster the development of joint technological solutions.
Banik concluded by emphasizing that Ukraine views its partnership with NATO as long-term and mutually beneficial, based on experience sharing and the integration of defense capabilities.
Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense has called for increased NATO support to enhance the country's defense production capabilities. He outlined key areas for investment, emphasizing the potential for rapid scaling of military manufacturing to meet urgent needs.