Ukraine Military Forces 🇺🇦

Strategic Position

Ukraine’s strategic posture is defined by its ongoing territorial conflict with the Russian Federation and its transition toward full integration with Western security architectures. As of 2026, the primary security concern remains the preservation of sovereignty and the restoration of territorial integrity. Although formal NATO membership remains a long-term objective, the defense doctrine increasingly relies on a network of bilateral security agreements and multilateral guarantees from G7 nations and other European partners.

Under the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, the state has secured long-term commitments for military assistance, intelligence sharing, and defense industrial cooperation. A significant strategic shift in 2026 involves the development of the "Coalition of the Willing," a multinational framework designed to provide security guarantees that mirror collective defense principles without formal treaty obligations. Regionally, Ukraine maintains deep defense ties with Poland, the Baltic states, and the United Kingdom, focusing on the establishment of military hubs for training, maintenance, and logistics.

Military Forces

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are organized into six primary branches: the Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy, Air Assault Forces, Special Operations Forces, and the Territorial Defense Forces. In 2025 and 2026, the AFU further integrated the Unmanned Systems Forces as a distinct branch dedicated to drone warfare and autonomous operations. Total active personnel is approximately 900,000, supported by a reserve force of nearly 4 million and various paramilitary units under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, such as the National Guard and State Border Guard Service.

The Ground Forces operate a heterogeneous fleet of main battle tanks, including Leopard 2, M1 Abrams, and Challenger 2 models alongside modernized Soviet-era T-64 and T-72 platforms. Artillery capabilities center on high-mobility systems such as the HIMARS and M270 MLRS, supplemented by self-propelled howitzers including the PzH 2000, CAESAR, and the domestic 2S22 Bohdana. Delivery of the RCH 155 wheeled howitzer is expected to commence in 2026.

The Air Force is undergoing a multi-year transition to NATO-standard aviation. The inventory includes F-16 Fighting Falcons, Mirage 2000-5F fighters, and Saab 340 early warning (AEW&C) platforms. Integration of the JAS-39 Gripen is scheduled for 2026. These platforms utilize Western munitions such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, and MICA missiles. Ground-based air defense is provided by a layered network of Patriot, IRIS-T, SAMP/T, and NASAMS systems.

The Navy, following the loss of major surface combatants, has adopted an asymmetric posture focused on maritime drones, such as the Magura V5 and Sea Baby, and land-based anti-ship missiles like the Neptune. The fleet is currently receiving Ada-class corvettes produced in Turkey.

Defense Industry

The Ukrainian defense industry has undergone a systemic restructuring under the state-owned JSC "Ukrainian Defense Industry" (formerly Ukroboronprom). By 2026, the sector has focused on achieving at least 50% domestic self-sufficiency in defense procurement. Production of the 2S22 Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzer and various armored vehicles, such as the BTR-4 and Kozak-series, has expanded significantly.

Domestic manufacturing is increasingly supported by joint ventures with international firms like Rheinmetall, Kongsberg, and Saab. These partnerships facilitate the local assembly and repair of Western equipment and the production of advanced electronic warfare systems. Ukraine has also established a robust "defense-tech" cluster, Brave1, which focuses on the rapid development of artificial intelligence-driven drones and robotic systems. In 2026, domestic programs are moving toward the deployment of long-range ballistic and cruise missiles, specifically the FP-7 and FP-9 systems.

Strategic Trends

The 2026 state budget allocates approximately 27.2% of GDP to the security and defense sector, representing over 60% of total government expenditures. A primary trend is the "Ukrainization" of the supply chain, where international financial assistance is increasingly channeled into domestic production via the "Danish model" of procurement.

Modernization priorities emphasize electronic warfare, long-range strike capabilities, and the mass deployment of unmanned platforms across all domains. Challenges include the continuous requirement for external financial support, estimated at nearly $50 billion for 2026, and the vulnerability of industrial facilities to long-range strikes. Doctrinally, the military is shifting from a mass-mobilization model toward a high-technology, professionalized force structure designed for high-intensity, attrition-based warfare.