Zelenskyy pushes for localized air defense production in Ukraine

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that his country is accelerating efforts to localize the production of air defense systems and missiles, calling it one of the country’s top priorities in its war with Russia.

“There was a very detailed discussion on drones, contracts, finances, technical issues, and production,” Zelenskyy said in a statement following a military staff meeting. “Our task is to clearly increase supplies to the army, as well as maximize the technological advantages of our Ukrainian drones.”

He noted progress in Ukraine’s interceptor drone capabilities, saying that reports confirmed the downing of Russian “Shahed” drones by Ukrainian-developed systems.

“We are working to increase the production of jet-powered and fiber-optic drones -- this is extremely important right now,” he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need to speed up missile production and strengthen Ukraine’s air defense infrastructure. “We are working on establishing domestic production of anti-aircraft missile systems and all necessary air defense systems in Ukraine,” he said.

He added that discussions with European and other international partners have included plans to localize the production of some air defense systems and missiles inside Ukraine. “This must definitely be achieved,” he stressed.