REUTERS
The Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry says the Ukrainian government has approved the state defense order for three years, 2017-2019, for the first time with an aim to forecast state spending, create conditions for the development of the defense industry and other production facilities.
The defense order was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers as proposed by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, the ministry's press service said.
In particular, the defense order suggests the financing of the procurement of weapons and military equipment, the modernization of existing armaments, upgrading of Ukrainian defense enterprises' production facilities and the development of new weapons.
Read alsoUkroboronprom develops new type of missiles for military aircraft – PoroshenkoThe ministry says that the defense procurement plan for three years is part of the government's medium-term budget planning. However, details of the defense plans are not made public, as it is a state secret.
In early February, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council approved indicators of the state defense order for 2017-2019.
The state defense order for 2016 was fulfilled by state-run concern Ukroboronprom by 99% at the end of December 2016.
Read alsoUkrainian Army orders Dozor-B armored vehicles from UkroboronpormLate in November 2016, Ukroboronprom CEO Roman Romanov announced that his concern fell short of UAH 1 billion, or US$37 million, in financing of the state defense order for 2016.
The defense budget for 2017 was approved with financing set at UAH 120 billion, or US$.4.4 billion.