Defense Ministry Authorizes Over 120 Novel Weapon Types for Military Use
In April 2025, Ukraine's defense ministry gave the green light for its army to use over 120 brand-new weapon and equipment samples, with a staggering 85% of these goods manufactured at home. Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin announced that most of these cutting-edge items were proudly Ukrainian. Since the start of 2025, they've introduced over 400 homemade weapons and equipment into their inventory.
These new additions range from unmanned aerial complexes, ammunition, radio-electronic warfare gear, modern communication systems, robotic platforms, and vehicles. Notably, more than 40 state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles that can be controlled through optical fiber have made it onto the army's list of approved equipment.
Churkin emphasized, "What we've got now isn't nearly enough. We need to adapt quicker to challenges, invest more in tech-based weapons. We should prioritize the use of drones in every military operation."
Looking ahead, Aquaspirit, a company, plans to bolster the Ukrainian military with combat boats. Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are already making good use of Aquaspirit's innovative solutions.
Ukraine appears to be considerably bolstering its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, marking a crucial component of its defense strategy against Russia. As of now, Ukraine is aiming to produce approximately 30,000 long-range drones in 2025, according to President Zelenskyy’s statement in late 2024. They've already incorporated the B-1 drone, a lightweight bomber capable of precision strikes, into their arsenal, powered by a low-noise engine and able to carry various types of ammunition.
While around 95% of the drones used by Ukraine are domestically produced, this country has also imported a considerable number of civilian drones, mainly from China. Yet, these imports do not seem to play a direct role in military operations. The Ukrainian military is expanding drone operator training and developing collective training systems for drone units. This shift towards more modern and technologically advanced military capabilities is increasingly evident, even though the specifics on optical fiber-controlled drones remain undetailed.
- The Ukrainian army, following the approval by the defense ministry in April 2025, will utilize over 120 brand-new weapon and equipment samples, most of which are Ukrainian-made.
- Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin revealed that the majority of the cutting-edge items are domestically produced, including unmanned aerial complexes, ammunition, radio-electronic warfare gear, modern communication systems, robotic platforms, and vehicles.
- The acquisition of more than 40 state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles controlled via optical fiber is part of the recent equipment additions to the army's inventory.
- Churkin underscored the need for Ukraine to adapt quickly to challenges, investing more in technology-based weapons, prioritizing the use of drones in every military operation.
- Looking towards the future, Ukraine aims to produce approximately 30,000 long-range drones in 2025, with a shift towards more modern and technologically advanced military capabilities revealed as training for drone operators is expanded and collective training systems for drone units are developed.
