Vladyslav Shvets
Photo from UNIAN
Ukraine continues to strengthen its military
capabilities. In 2016 the national military industry showcased a number of new
projects, while the country’s defense sector, for the fourth consecutive year,
received record funding.
During the military conflict in Donbas and Russia’s
pressure on Ukraine on the eastern borders, defenses have become a top priority
both in the government policies and in the country’s development. The state
budgets started to be called "defense-oriented", while the funding of
the Ukrainian army has risen to record highs.
In 2016, the
funding of Ukraine’s defense and security sector amounted to UAH 113 billion,
which is 20% more than the year before. In 2017, the figures will rise, once
again. Ukraine intends to allocate a record 5.9% of GDP, or UAH 133 bln (nearly
$5 bln) in monetary terms, for its defense and security sector.
However, to this amount still falls short of what is
allocated by global powers. Ukraine’s main enemy, the Russian Federation,
maintains its defense budget on the usual high level of more than $70 billion.
European countries in 2016 also increased defense spending significantly.
In particular, the United Kingdom has allocated for
these purposes some $55.5 billion, France gave $50.9 billion, and Germany
provided $39.4 billion. Regarding the priorities in the national defense sector
for 2017, they will remain unchanged.
The priority list is topped by the program to create a
"missile shield", or produce new missile and artillery systems.
"We have to complete the state defense order for 2017, giving preference
to modern missile systems, heavy artillery systems, air defense, electronic
warfare and electronic intelligence equipment," said NSDC Secretary
Oleksandr Turchynov.
The U.S. assistance should also strengthen Ukraine’s
defense sector. Before leaving office, President Barack Obama signed the
defense budget, which provides for the allocation of military assistance to
Ukraine in the amount of UAH 350 million. The list of aid, in addition to
lethal defensive weapons, included technical support for the development of an
integrated system for monitoring of the state border of Ukraine, as well as
assistance in preparing staff officers and the high command of the Armed Forces
of Ukraine.
In general, the past year has become a kind of a
breakthrough for the Ukrainian defense industry. It was not so great when
compared with global trends, but Ukraine it was a breakthrough for Ukraine,
indeed. UNIAN is offering a short overview of main events and new projects of
Ukraine’s defense sector in 2016.
Read more HERE
Read more HERE
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