Ukraine Races to Ramp Up Domestic Weapons Production Amid Critical Funding Shortfall

Ukraine is urgently seeking to boost its domestic arms production to meet half of its military needs within six months, as Western weapons deliveries become increasingly uncertain. The government, under new leadership, is requesting at least $6 billion from allies to close a weapons procurement gap for 2025 and estimates it will need $120 billion for defense next year. Key priorities include expanding air defense systems, increasing ammunition and drone production, and launching grant schemes to support local manufacturing. Recent international meetings have resulted in new pledges of military aid, but Ukrainian officials stress that partner support remains vital. The push for self-reliance comes as Russia intensifies attacks and Ukraine faces a critical shortage of air defense systems.