Zelensky Outlines Ambitious Military Production and Aircraft Procurement Plans

Tehran - BORNA - Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday evening that Ukraine has secured agreements for the supply of 50 to 100 Gripen fighters and 100 Rafale aircraft. "In our view, these are the best aircraft in the world. Currently, the Ukrainian Air Force already operates F-16 fighters alongside the 250 aircraft I previously mentioned," he noted.

As reported by Sputnik, the Ukrainian President also addressed the issue of mobilization and those not eligible for military service due to age. "Despite the war, there is no slavery in Ukraine. Those who are not of conscription age have the right to leave the country. You cannot force people to return; people will return when they truly love Ukraine," Zelensky added.

Economic and Defense Outlook

Regarding Ukraine's economic and military trajectory, Zelensky highlighted that 10 export centers will be operational across Europe by 2026 to facilitate the export of Ukrainian drones. He further announced that production lines for these drones are set to begin operations in Germany this February. "Over approximately 10 years, we expect to generate between $300 billion and $500 billion in profits from drones," he predicted.

The President also touched upon the critical state of air defense: "At the start of the war, we had no modern air defense and only 25 S-300 systems. In the 1990s, Kyiv alone possessed 250 air defense systems. Today, we are building our air defense industry from scratch."

These remarks come as Zelensky continues to call for Western aid. Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly stated that "pumping weapons into Kyiv" only exacerbates the situation and prolongs the conflict.

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