Plans to produce 1 million drones that can fly over 700-1000 km
Amidst conflict with Russia, Ukraine is set to significantly increase its production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. Despite having less military power compared to Russia, Ukraine plans to use drones as a primary tool for its offensive strategy. Drones are considered essential aerial weapons for Ukraine’s counterattack.
According to industry insiders on the 10th, Ukraine is expanding production in response to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s directive to build one million drones this year.
In a recent interview with German media outlet Welt, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Innovation, Mykhailo Fedorov, stated, “Some domestically produced UAVs can reach targets over 437 to 621 miles (700 to 1000 kilometers) away.” He added that drone production had increased tenfold compared to last year.
Ukraine is newly producing a variety of drones, including low-cost, small-sized drones known as ‘First-Person View (FPV),’ reconnaissance, transport, combat, kamikaze, marine, and ground drones.
Ukraine is also working on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into ground-based robotic systems, electronic warfare equipment development, and UAV operations. The prototypes are expected to be deployed in actual combat by the end of this year.
The reason for Ukraine’s increase in drone production is the significant role drones play in warfare, often replacing artillery.
With its anti-aircraft weapons depleted against Russia’s missiles and drones, Ukraine has been appealing to the West for drone and other weapon support. In response, NATO member countries plan to provide up to one million combat drones to Ukraine to counter Russia’s invasion. <Reference to this paper, February 24, 2024: NATO member countries supply 1 million drones to Ukraine>
However, as the utilization of drones increases, so do international concerns. Drones have not only been striking military and energy facilities but also residential areas and non-military infrastructure, causing civilian casualties.
A drone attack on the Russian region of Belgorod resulted in at least nine injuries. An air raid on the capital of an area near the Ukrainian border last month caused damage to more than 3,000 homes.
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