Zelenskyy says Ukraine plans domestic production of air defence systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said Ukraine is working toward producing its own air defence systems in cooperation with international partners, describing the effort as a long-term strategic priority for the country’s security.

Zelenskyy said the plans cover all key components of air defence, including systems, missiles and anti-ballistic capabilities.

“We are looking for anti-ballistic capabilities. Most importantly, we are moving toward conditions where we will be able to produce air defence systems in Ukraine together with our partners — systems, missiles and so on,” Zelenskyy said.

The President said Kyiv is in constant political and military-level communication with partners regarding air defence needs.

He stressed that the ability to manufacture domestic air defence systems would serve as a strategic guarantee for Ukraine’s protection for decades.

“Among the security guarantees being discussed for Ukraine are weapons packages, the ability to produce the weapons we need, as well as licenses and an industrial base for that production. All of this is important,” he said.