Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has approved a new development concept for missile troops and artillery [1].

The initiative represents a strategic shift in how Ukraine manages its long-range and heavy weaponry during an active conflict. By transitioning away from legacy systems, the military aims to integrate modern technology and tactics to counter evolving battlefield threats.

The plan establishes 2030 [1] as the target deadline for the full modernization of these forces. A primary component of the strategy involves the decommissioning of worn-out Soviet-era calibers that cannot be modernized [1, 2, 3]. This process intends to streamline logistics and reduce reliance on outdated hardware that is increasingly vulnerable to modern detection.

Syrskyi said that Ukraine needs new approaches to conducting combat operations [4]. The modernization effort comes as the role of unmanned aerial vehicles continues to grow, altering the traditional use of artillery. Despite the rise of drones, the military intends to maintain artillery as a primary driving force on the front lines [1, 2].

"We plan to modernize the missile troops and artillery by 2030, and we will decommission outdated Soviet systems," Syrskyi said [5].

The strategy emphasizes the need for flexibility in the face of changing warfare dynamics. By removing obsolete equipment, the Armed Forces of Ukraine can prioritize the procurement and integration of systems that offer better precision and range. This shift is designed to increase overall combat efficiency, while ensuring the artillery remains a viable pillar of the national defense strategy [1, 2].

Ukraine needs new approaches to conducting combat operations.

This modernization plan signals a formal departure from the Soviet military legacy, moving toward a standardized, Western-compatible, or domestically innovated arsenal. By setting a 2030 horizon, Ukraine is planning for a long-term structural transformation of its heavy weaponry to ensure that artillery remains effective even as drone warfare evolves.