Development Plan for Missile Troops and Artillery Up to 2030
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has signed off on a new concept for the advancement of missile forces and artillery through 2030. The strategy focuses on shifting to domestically produced weaponry, phasing out outdated Soviet-era systems, and establishing a modern artillery reconnaissance framework. It also calls for serial production of ballistic and cruise missiles capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers.
Syrskyi emphasized that artillery remains a critical component of the modern battlefield, with its main strength being the ability to respond quickly to threats and shifting conditions. However, several factors currently undermine the effectiveness of artillery units. These include:
- Heavy reliance on partner nations for weapon and ammunition supplies;
- Complex logistics due to the use of diverse system types;
- Limited strike range of certain weapon models;
- A shortage of artillery reconnaissance assets.
The core equipment for artillery units is expected to come from Ukrainian manufacturers. Worn-out Soviet-caliber artillery systems that cannot be upgraded or repaired will be gradually retired. At the same time, units equipped with the most advanced foreign-made artillery systems will be retained. The initiative also includes streamlining the range of artillery weaponry in use.
Artillery Reconnaissance System and Military Unit Training
A major priority of the concept is building a cutting-edge artillery reconnaissance system. Oleksandr Syrskyi stated:
“That is why one of the key priorities of the concept is the creation of a modern artillery reconnaissance system.”Combined with drone systems, this will enable a balanced long-range fire capability and ensure targets can be engaged at distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.
“We must increase our capacity for fire impact across the entire operational-strategic and strategic depth of the enemy,”Syrskyi noted.
Additionally, following May inspections of military units' combat coordination, strict measures were implemented: eight units lost the right to independently train mobilized personnel at their own facilities. These steps reflect a commitment to improving troop training and ensuring effectiveness in modern combat conditions.
The approval of this missile and artillery development concept through 2030 underscores Ukraine's drive to modernize and enhance the combat readiness of its armed forces. By prioritizing domestic production, this strategy could significantly reduce reliance on external supplies, a crucial factor amid a prolonged military conflict. Moreover, strengthening artillery units and integrating advanced technologies into artillery reconnaissance are expected to greatly improve the operational efficiency of Ukrainian troops.
As the Ukrainian military adapts to evolving battlefield dynamics, recent warnings from Syrskyi about enemy tactics highlight the necessity for modernized strategies. The anticipated shift towards jet-powered drones by adversaries underscores the urgency of enhancing artillery capabilities and reconnaissance systems to maintain a competitive edge in defense operations.