Zbroyari Initiative
Zbroyari Initiative Overview
Learn more at www.zbroyari.gov.ua
The quantity and quality of ammunition and military equipment are crucial for securing victory in the Russo-Ukrainian war, the largest conflict Europe has witnessed since 1945. As Ukraine faces shortages in ammunition, air defense, and other essential equipment, the Ukrainian government has launched the Zbroyari initiative, named after the Ukrainian word for "weapons manufacturers." This initiative aims to raise $10 billion to fully utilize Ukraine's defense manufacturing capacity by financing the procurement of Ukrainian-made defense products for the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Rationale
The Zbroyari initiative addresses the pressing weapons shortage Ukraine faces on the battlefield. The entire NATO defense industrial base has been mobilized to produce unprecedented volumes of ammunition, air defense systems, and other defense products. While these weapons have proven highly effective on the battlefield, even more are needed to secure victory and protect democracy in Europe. However, NATO's defense industry has reached its peak capacity in most categories of weapons, while Ukraine's defense industry has untapped potential that can be rapidly mobilized.
Currently, Ukraine's state budget can finance the production of $6 billion worth of defense equipment, which is only 30% of the country's total production capacity of $20 billion. In addition to offering significant scaling capabilities to manufacture larger quantities, Ukraine's defense industry can produce its own domestically designed weapons that address specific battlefield challenges faced by the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian-made systems like the Stuhna-P anti-tank missile system, the 155-mm self-propelled artillery gun Bohdana, long-range drones, and many others offer world-class capabilities at a considerably lower cost.
The proximity of Ukraine's production sites to the battlefield ensures the fastest defense innovation cycle in the world. Financial support to develop Ukraine's defense industry is critical to maintaining its edge in the rapid military adaptations required in today's fast-paced warfare environment. Participation from partner countries in the Zbroyari initiative will help Ukraine increase its self-sufficiency both militarily and economically. Every dollar invested in the Ukrainian defense industry will create a multiplier effect across the entire Ukrainian economy. Increased defense production will generate more tax revenue for the Ukrainian state budget and boost the country's gross domestic product, providing Ukraine with more resources to achieve victory in this war.
Current Status
Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada have already pledged $218 million towards the Zbroyari initiative, covering the production costs of Ukrainian-made howitzers, ammunition, sea drones, aerial drones, and other autonomous systems. Denmark has placed an order for 18 Ukrainian-made 155 mm self-propelled howitzers Bohdana for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Netherlands and Canada are still deciding which Ukrainian-made systems to purchase with their pledged funds.
The Ukrainian government is working to expand the involvement of partner countries in the Zbroyari initiative, with the ultimate goal of raising $10 billion in 2024 to fully utilize Ukraine's defense industry. Broad participation in the Zbroyari initiative is essential for accelerating Ukraine's victory and restoring peace on the European continent.
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