Ukraine Launches Experiment on Rapid Duplication of Defense Production Capacity

Ukraine has launched an experiment to rapidly create new production capacity at defense enterprises.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the measure, the Ministry of Defense said.

The project is based on a “design and build” principle, allowing simultaneous design and construction at defense‑industrial enterprises to ensure uninterrupted supplies to the military.

The decision will initially speed up the duplication of production capacity at one of Ukraine’s key defense industry plants.

After practical testing, the approach could be extended to other domestic defense enterprises.

“Under current legislation, construction consists of several main stages — from design to commissioning. Each stage can only begin after the previous one is completed, which significantly delays the creation of new production facilities,” the Ministry stated.

The new government resolution, drafted with input from defense officials, establishes a simplified procedure.

In particular, design and construction under the pilot project may be conducted simultaneously.

Enterprises participating in the pilot will also be allowed to sign contracts for the supply of utilities — water, gas, heat, and electricity — without a registered declaration of readiness or a commissioning certificate.

The Ministry noted that the decision aims to ensure the rapid allocation of production capacity to maintain uninterrupted deliveries of defense products to state customers.

Several Ukrainian defense companies are also preparing to mass-produce anti-drone cartridges, which will help Ukrainian forces counter small enemy drones more effectively.

In addition, several Ukrainian manufacturers have begun mass production of the Octopus interceptor drone, developed by military engineers to counter Russian reconnaissance and strike drones.