Ukraine underutilizing its defense industry by up to 50%, expert says
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Ukraine is still not making full use of its domestic defense industry, Oleksandr Danylyuk, a former adviser to Ukraine's defense minister and a corresponding member of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told NV Radio on Oct. 29.
“We definitely should better fund our defense industrial complex, which is underutilized,” said Danylyuk.
“Even concerning the most advanced systems and drone production, we could currently produce at least 30-40% more with the existing production base. I'm not even talking about the need to invest in expanding it. In terms of armored vehicles, there's a 50% underutilization.”
He suggested that the wasted production potential is due to a lack of funding, which can be addressed relatively easily through reordering government expenses.
“We must honestly discuss that our defense industry is our opportunity to provide the military with the essentials needed to gain either an advantage or at least parity on the battlefield... to ensure the enemy achieves no success,” Danylyuk added.
“We need to tighten our belts in some areas and forget about certain other sectors. This is normal and how it should be done.”
He noted that during an existential war, Ukraine continues to fund many programs that should be shelved to redirect those funds to adequately supply the military.
Danylyuk also stated that Ukraine could produce much of what its defense industry currently struggles with “at a fair price or even better than our partners can.”
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