The new state program of development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the period until 2020 is aimed at the army achieving criteria for acquiring membership in NATO, according to the official website of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine.

"As a result of the execution of the provisions of the state program, the military administration system will be built based on the principles adopted by NATO member states. The transition to the new system of planning the development of the Armed Forces based on capacity planning, and focusing on the threat will take place," the statement reads.

In addition, as a result of the program, the army structure will be improved and its numbers optimized. The military will undergo the necessary training and will be fully equipped with weapons, military equipment and other materials and technical means.

There will also be a unified system of logistics and improved system of medical provision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "The experience gained by the Ukrainian army during the anti-terrorist operation, and the relevant NATO standards will be taken as a foundation for this," the report says.

The program will ensure the Armed Forces of Ukraine will develop to respond effectively to threats to national security in the military sector, Ukraine's defense and protection of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability, as well as to achieve Euro-Atlantic standards and criteria necessary for the acquisition of a membership in NATO, the Defense Ministry said.

As reported, on December 29, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine approved the draft state program of development of the armed forces of Ukraine for the period of up to 2020.