Ukraine has announced its efforts towards developing new air defense systems that are domestically produced. This decision comes as a response to the emergence of the new Russian missile known as “Oreshnik,” as stated by General Oleksandr Syrskyi. According to President Zelenskyy, in 2024, 30% of Ukraine’s military equipment was manufactured within the country. Notably, Ukraine is striving to create a homegrown air defense system that can rival the US-made Patriot, as confirmed by the army’s commander in chief.
General Syrskyi, in an interview with TSN and as reported by the Kyiv Independent, emphasized the motivation behind this initiative, stating, “This encourages us to create our own air defense system, which would be not just an air defense system, but also an anti-missile system.” He further mentioned that active efforts are ongoing towards the development of this system. The specific trigger for this development was the launch of Russia’s new “Oreshnik” missile, which saw its first deployment targeting an industrial site in Dnipro, central Ukraine, in November.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the “Oreshnik” as a “non-nuclear hypersonic warhead,” capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10, equivalent to ten times the speed of sound. General Syrskyi highlighted that only a limited number of defense systems have the capability to intercept the “Oreshnik,” an ability currently absent in Kyiv’s arsenal. However, he noted the historical competence of Ukraine in producing control systems for anti-aircraft systems during the Soviet era.
Ukraine has faced challenges countering Russia’s missile and drone attacks using its existing air defense systems, necessitating repeated requests for additional support, including Patriots and other defense mechanisms, from allied nations. The recent full-scale invasion by Russia has spurred a significant boost in defense production within Ukraine, with a growing emphasis on both domestic manufacturing capabilities and international collaborations.
President Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine independently produced nearly a third of the weapons and equipment utilized in 2024. In line with this surge in defense production, several Western defense manufacturers have entered joint production agreements and established operations within Ukraine. For instance, Germany’s defense giant Rheinmetall has announced its involvement in setting up a new air defense facility in the country.
In a noteworthy development, the UK recently announced the provision of a new air defense system, Gravehawk, to Ukraine. This system, jointly funded by Denmark, has the capability to adapt air-to-air missiles for ground launch. The truck-mounted Gravehawk system is designed to complement existing resources, freeing up more sophisticated defenses like the Patriot and NASAMS systems for larger targets.
The ongoing efforts by Ukraine to enhance its air defense capabilities are crucial in the current geopolitical landscape marked by heightened tensions and security challenges. The collaboration with international partners, development of indigenous defense systems, and the infusion of advanced technologies all underscore Ukraine’s commitment to bolstering its defense infrastructure and
