Despite facing constant Russian bombings, Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to developing new domestic weapons systems. The country, known for its reliance on Western support for advanced military equipment, is now focusing on increasing its self-sufficiency by producing a variety of new weapons.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense recently approved the use of nearly 15 new domestically produced weapons and ammunition. Among these new weapons are the Bodana 155mm truck gun, extended-range Neptune cruise missile, SD-300 Coral medium-range air defense missile system, and Storm SM anti-tank destroyer.
One of the standout weapons being developed is the Bodana 155mm truck-mounted howitzer, designed according to NATO standards and capable of using Western ammunition. French-made Caesar vehicle-mounted howitzers have also been popular among Ukrainian troops, with plans for France to provide 78 new self-propelled guns to Ukraine this year.
The Neptune cruise missile, also known as Neptune 2.0, made a significant impact when it successfully destroyed an S-400 air defense system in Crimea last year. The Coral medium-range air defense missile system, developed by Ukraine’s Luch State Design Bureau, aims to replace older Soviet-era systems in the Ukrainian military.
Another notable weapon is the Storm-SM tank destroyer, an upgraded version of the Shturm-S from the 1980s. The Storm-SM features a new missile developed by Ukraine, interchangeable warheads, and an advanced electro-optical targeting system.
The development of these new weapons showcases Ukraine’s determination to bolster its military capabilities in the face of ongoing conflict with Russia. The country’s efforts to enhance its self-sufficiency in weapon production mark an important step towards strengthening its defense capabilities.