Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has permitted government customers to extend the terms for sending advance payments to buy specialized equipment required for the implementation of the Vilkha defense project to 24 months.

The requirement is outlined in government resolution No. 891 dated November 30, 2016 amending government resolution No. 117 dated April 23, 2014.

The Vilkha project related to the modernization of Smerch Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) with new 300-mm ballistic missile is one of the top priorities of the defense and industrial complex. The project is being implemented with the government acting as a customer and with active participation of Pivdenne design bureau (Dnipro) and Luch design bureau (Kyiv).

In September, the government toughened the conditions for sending advance payments under government order contracts and contracts to buy defense products in the special period.