Ukraine's security and defence budget is expected to reach 200bn hryvnyas (7.18bn dollars at the current exchange rate) in 2019, the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) of Ukraine has said on its website.
NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said that the cabinet expected Ukraine's GDP in 2019 to reach 3,946bn hryvnyas "therefore the security and defence sector of Ukraine is expected to be funded to the tune of at least 5% of GDP, or around 200bn hryvnyas".
The 2019 funding priorities will include the development and purchase of modern high-precision missiles (missile systems, including cruise missiles), artillery, armour and ammunition; advanced air defence and cyber protection, development and modernization of special communication means and data protection; advanced training ranges for missile and ammunition tests.
Higher remuneration of servicemen is also one of the priorities.
The defence budget is yet to be endorsed by the NSDC and later by the Cabinet of Ministers.
The 2018 defence budget is 163bn hryvnyas.