Ukraine will produce ammunition according to NATO standards and can produce $10 billion more worth of additional weapons this year.

Ukroboronprom enterprises are gradually switching to the production of ammunition in NATO calibers, particularly 60-mm mortar mines, General Director of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Herman Smetanin said during the EU-Ukraine Defense Industries Forum.

At the same time, Smetanin noted that Ukraine’s capabilities are not enough to wage war on an equal footing. Therefore, Ukroboronprom is open to dialogue with European partners and is ready for various cooperation formats, including the creation of new joint ventures. The Ukrainian defense industry’s capacity is three times higher than the available funding; therefore, according to the head of Ukroboronprom, we need as many long-term contracts as possible.

Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin added that the gap between the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry and the funds available for the purchase of weapons in 2024 alone amounts to $10B. Partner countries can help bridge this gap by concluding direct contracts with Ukrainian companies.