MIC with ambitions and problems: can Ukraine increase the capacity of military production

Ukrainian weapons, in addition to funding problems, face the threats of Russian air attacks. In addition, the situation is complicated by interruptions in the supply of electricity. The Ukrainian weapon industry consistently increases its production facilities. However, bureaucracy and insufficient funding are constantly interfering with, and Russian attacks are a serious threat to the functioning of the defense industry.

Therefore, the question of whether Western funding is capable of solving these problems remains open. The prospects for the development of the Ukrainian MIC are referred to in the material of the Polish Defense 24 Adam Svirkovsky. The publication states that this year the Ukrainian government intends to spend about $ 1. 4 billion on the purchase of weapons for its own defense industry, which is much more than the period before the invasion.

However, according to Vladislav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armored vehicles LLC, budgeting only for the current calendar year complicates long -term production planning. In addition, many manufacturers whose production capacity are limited by lack of funds are looking for export contracts to cover their operating expenses. Most often, they do it for their money because private companies do not receive compensation for it.

But the lack of permission for sale abroad often leads to difficulty in reducing the prices of products for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Belbass also emphasizes that many companies fight with bureaucracy, redistribution of responsibilities between ministries and lack of guarantees for further orders. Another problem is the threats that come from Russian attacks.

The defense industry plants are vulnerable to air strikes, which causes them to move frequently so that the enemy is more difficult to detect them. In addition, interruptions in the supply of electricity often paralyze production. For his part, the Minister for Strategic Industry of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshyn said that manufacturers demand either a complete reduction in production capacity or export permission, but this position has no political support.

"Thus, despite its enthusiasm, desires and attempts, the defense companies have encountered another obstacle. This is especially true of private enterprises, which now has about 400 compared to only 100 state -owned," the minister said. Svirkovsky believes that Western funds can contribute to the development of the Ukrainian defense sector, but they need to be properly managed so that they really help to solve existing problems.

An example of support is Denmark, which intends to allocate more than 28 million euros for the development of the Ukrainian defense sector. However, despite difficulties and obstacles, Ukrainian manufacturers continue to be enthusiastic and take steps to develop new weapons systems, the observer summed up. Recall that the US is preparing to conclude contracts worth up to $ 6 billion for the supply of weapons and equipment for the Armed Forces.