KYIV, — June 09, 2026 : Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has approved the Concept for the Development of the Missile Forces and Artillery through 2030, outlining a long-term plan to modernize Ukraine’s artillery and missile forces, expand domestic weapons production, and strengthen long-range strike capabilities.
Syrskyi said the strategy combines lessons learned from ongoing combat operations with future military requirements.
"While fighting a difficult war today, we must simultaneously build the military of the future," he stated.
Focus on Domestic Missile Production
A key objective of the new strategy is to reduce dependence on foreign military supplies by accelerating the development and mass production of Ukrainian-made ballistic and cruise missiles.
According to the concept, these missile systems will be integrated with advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to create a unified long-range strike network capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.
Ukrainian officials believe the expansion of domestic missile production will strengthen the country’s long-term strategic independence and strike capabilities.
Modernization of Artillery Forces
The plan calls for domestically produced artillery systems to become the backbone of Ukraine’s artillery units. Older Soviet-era systems that can no longer be repaired or upgraded will be gradually retired from service.
At the same time, modern Western artillery systems currently in use will remain in service to support operational requirements.
Ukrainian forces currently operate a diverse mix of artillery platforms, creating logistical and maintenance challenges. The new strategy aims to simplify support and improve sustainability through greater standardization.
Expansion of the Bohdana Program
The 155 mm Bohdana self-propelled howitzer remains a central part of Ukraine’s artillery modernization effort.
Production of the domestically developed system has increased in recent years, and the new concept is expected to support further expansion of indigenous artillery manufacturing capabilities.
Strengthening Reconnaissance Capabilities
The strategy identifies artillery reconnaissance as a major priority area.
Ukraine plans to develop an integrated reconnaissance network combining reconnaissance drones, counter-battery radars, electronic intelligence assets, and digital command systems to improve target detection and reduce response times.
Military officials say modern artillery effectiveness depends heavily on accurate intelligence and the rapid transfer of targeting data to firing units.
Addressing Key Challenges
The Ukrainian military identified several issues currently affecting artillery effectiveness, including:
- Dependence on foreign weapons and ammunition supplies
- Logistical challenges caused by multiple artillery platforms
- Range limitations of older systems
- Shortages of reconnaissance assets
The new concept seeks to address these challenges through increased domestic production, modernization, and standardization.
Artillery Remains a Core Battlefield Asset
Despite the growing role of drones and precision-guided weapons, Syrskyi emphasized that artillery remains one of the most important battlefield tools.
Ukrainian artillery units continue to conduct thousands of combat missions daily, supporting frontline operations and counter-battery missions.
The 2030 development strategy aims to strengthen Ukraine’s missile forces, artillery units, and reconnaissance capabilities while expanding the country’s domestic defense-industrial base and long-range strike capacity.
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