Ukraine Develops Its Own Ballistic Missile and Sets 2027 Budget for Procurement

Ukraine's Defense Ministry Reveals Strategic Plans

According to Главком: In an interview with TSN, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov outlined plans to produce a domestically-built ballistic missile and confirmed that a budget for its purchase has been allocated for 2027. Fedorov stated,

“Ballistic missiles are coming, and they will strike Russia.”

This initiative is part of a broader military reform that includes increasing soldier salaries and signing new contracts. Ukraine has been under constant threat from Russian aggression since 2014, making domestic missile development a key priority for national security.

Modern Technology and Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Ministry of Defense is also working on procuring Swedish Gripen fighter jets and Meteor missiles for them. Collaboration with international firms like Palantir and SpaceX, as well as with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s team, is intensifying. These partnerships help Ukraine advance technologies, particularly in autonomous drones, bolstering the country's defense capabilities. The ministry reports that more drones were contracted in five months than in the entire previous year.

Fedorov emphasized the importance of rooting out corruption in the Defense Ministry, using polygraph tests for all employees.

“Whole company agents were working inside the ministry. They simply had to be expelled,”

he noted. The minister added,

“Anyone who works for any scheme, any company, or thinks about money-I will personally do everything to put them behind bars.”

This underscores a firm stance against corruption in the defense sector.

By transitioning to tender-based procurement, the Defense Ministry saved between 16% and 20% on purchases. For instance, in one contract for 155mm artillery shells, a company reduced the price by $1,000 per shell. The army reform also includes:

• Raising infantry salaries to 300,000 hryvnias per month;
• Increasing assault troop salaries to 460,000 hryvnias;
• New contracts: a 10-month infantry-assault term, and 14- and 24-month combat terms.

Fedorov, who took over the Defense Ministry on January 14, 2026, has also dismissed five deputy ministers. Regarding cooperation with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, he said:

“We have entirely normal, constructive relations. He is the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, which is fighting for Ukraine’s independence. There can be no other kind of relationship.”

The minister stressed that all internal matters will be resolved in his office or with the president, but certainly not in the media.

Under Mykhailo Fedorov’s leadership, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is actively modernizing the army, combating corruption, and enhancing national defense capabilities. The focus on developing domestic ballistic missiles and advancing new technologies reflects a strategic approach to defense amid ongoing threats. The strong emphasis on anti-corruption measures within the defense sector also demonstrates a commitment to improving the efficiency of state budget spending on the military.

As Ukraine ramps up its defense capabilities, it's essential to note that President Zelensky has also instructed the Defense Ministry to expedite the delivery of anti-ballistic missiles. This move complements the ongoing efforts to enhance Ukraine's military strength amid persistent threats. For more insights on this strategic directive, read about the acceleration of anti-ballistic missile supplies.