Ukraine's Defense Ministry explains situation with financing 2020 national missile program

Ukraine's Defense Ministry says financing of the 2020 national missile program, in particular, with regard to Neptun ["Neptune"] cruise missiles, is provided in full, while purchases of the Vilkha-M ("Alder") multiple launch rocket systems is scheduled in line with program indicators, that is, within the allocated funds.

"The Defense Ministry is developing a national program for the development of rocket and missile systems. The program concept is currently undergoing formal review," the ministry's press service said on February 18, responding to critical comments on the program published in one of the online resources.

Purchases of infantry fighting vehicles in 2020 will be carried out according to commercial offers on imports, taking into account the fact that the armed forces' arsenal is equipped with pieces of armament of the former USSR.

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It is also planned to supply more than 70 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems in accordance with the needs identified by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Earlier, journalist Yuriy Butusov said the draft state defense order (SDO) for 2020 would eliminate the country's missile program. In turn, military expert Serhiy Zgurets noted that the Neptun and Vilha-M missile systems would not be funded via the government procurement program.