Ukraine Achieves Milestone with First 100 Domestically Produced Missiles

Ukraine Daily

Zelensky’s Vision for Defence Independence

On Nov. 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proudly announced that Ukraine had reached a significant milestone in its national defence capabilities, producing its first 100 missiles domestically. This achievement is part of a larger defence initiative launched in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, Ukraine has focused intently on strengthening its military independence, with particular attention to missile and drone technology, to bolster its defences and deter further aggression.

Following the outbreak of war, Ukraine intensified its efforts to develop indigenous weapons, with the missile program becoming one of the central pillars of its defence strategy. In a speech earlier this year, Zelensky highlighted “good dynamics” in Ukraine’s arms production, a momentum he attributed to the country’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defence. This announcement was followed in August by news of Ukraine’s first successful test of a domestically produced ballistic missile, an accomplishment that Zelensky celebrated as a testament to the country’s growing military capabilities.

Although the details of the specific missiles produced have been kept confidential, Ukraine’s missile program includes a highly anticipated project: the Hrim-2 ballistic missile, a system that has been under development for years. The Hrim-2, which is speculated to have been the missile tested in August, represents Ukraine’s ambition to field long-range missile capabilities, providing a strategic counterbalance to Russia’s superior missile arsenal.

Alongside ballistic missile development, Ukraine has also been advancing drone capabilities tailored to its unique battlefield requirements. One such development, the missile-drone “Palianytsia,” adds a new layer to Ukraine’s defence by integrating missile and drone functionalities for flexible strike options. In his Nov. 9 address, Zelensky praised the variety of new drones capable of defending Ukrainian positions and striking deep into Russian territory. He emphasized that these domestic creations are critical to the Ukrainian military, not only for frontline defences but also for penetrating enemy lines.

The successful production of missiles and drones underscores Ukraine’s goal to expand its defensive and offensive capabilities independently of foreign assistance. This ambition is driven in part by Western restrictions on Ukrainian forces regarding the use of foreign-provided weaponry for strikes on Russian soil. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s domestic production efforts are essential in circumventing these limitations, as the country’s Western allies, including the United States, have yet to revise their policies on long-range strikes.

Zelensky’s emphasis on Ukraine’s increasing capability to independently produce artillery, ammunition, and advanced technology like drones signals a pivotal shift in Ukraine’s defence strategy. While international military aid has been vital, the Ukrainian government has consistently stressed the importance of self-reliance in securing its borders and reclaiming occupied territories. By producing long-range weapons within its borders, Ukraine is taking concrete steps toward a more resilient and self-sustaining defence system.

As the war continues, Ukraine’s advances in military technology represent more than just an answer to immediate threats; they symbolize the nation’s determination to secure a future of greater strategic autonomy. For Ukraine, the production of its first 100 missiles marks not only a technological achievement but also a profound statement of resilience and a promise to defend its sovereignty against any adversary.