The Ukrainian president announced that a total of 154 artillery systems were manufactured in 2024. He added that production would further increase this year, but did not specify which types of weaponry were included in this figure.
Experts suggest that the reported artillery systems could include the 2S22 Bohdana, a 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by Ukraine. In October 2023, Zelensky had previously stated that Ukraine’s production of these howitzers had reached 20 units per month.
However, there remains uncertainty about the accuracy of these figures, as independent verification is challenging. Ukraine has also developed a towed version of the Bohdana, expanding its artillery capabilities.
Beyond artillery production, Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine had manufactured approximately 2.2 million FPV drones and around 100,000 long-range drones. This signals a broader effort to enhance the country’s military capabilities.
Denmark has played a role in supporting Ukraine’s domestic defence industry, having financed the purchase of 18 Bohdana artillery systems. These units have already been delivered to Ukraine’s armed forces as part of a pilot project.
Following this cooperation, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an intent to expand defence procurement ties with Ukraine. The agreement is valued at approximately DKK 4.2 billion (£480 million).
The Bohdana self-propelled howitzer was developed through collaboration between the National Association of Ukrainian Defence Industries. The Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Building Plant and Ukrainian Armor were key contributors to the project.
