In the second half of October, Ukraine expects the first results from its small missile programme, which is planned to be used to counter jet-powered drones.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
"Next are the small missiles — the small missile programme. I won’t name them now. There are several types. We will clearly see the result this month — at the end, in the second half of this month," Zelenskyy said.
According to the President, the ability to move to large-scale production will depend on the test results.
"But if there is a result, we will immediately be able to reach a normal quantity of the relevant product," he noted.
Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine is working to ensure that F-16 fighter jets use between 5,000 and 6,000 20 mm rounds per day to counter aerial targets.
The President added that Ukraine is holding talks with Poland and France on strengthening air defence.
According to him, interceptor drones known as "Bars" currently show the highest effectiveness, with a shoot-down rate of around 30%.
Ukraine is also installing turrets to counter aerial targets. According to Zelenskyy, 12 such systems have already been installed in Kyiv, with another eight planned. In the region, 50 turrets have been installed so far.
- Germany is allocating Ukraine more than €1.3 billion as part of a new aid package. About €1 billion will be directed towards joint weapons production, while the remaining funds will go to support Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of winter.