The production of drones in Ukraine is reaching a completely new level. This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.
Thousands of long-range drones will be created in Ukraine
According to Mykhailo Fedorov, these drones can strike enemy targets deep inside the aggressor country.
Moreover, about ten companies in Ukraine already manufacture drones that can reach Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The category of long-range kamikaze UAVs is growing, with a flight radius of 300, 500, 700 and 1000 kilometres. Two years ago, this category did not exist at all.
Mykhailo Fedorov
The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Digital Transformation
The Minister of Digital Transformation notes that the recent series of attacks on oil refineries in Russia is a reflection of Ukraine's success in rapidly deregulating the drone market and increasing funding for it.
It is essential to understand that, at the same time, the state acts as a venture investor.
According to Mykhailo Fedorov, about $2.5 million has been allocated to start-ups in the field of military technology through the BRAVE1 initiative launched by the government last year.
We will fight for the funding to increase even more, he says.
Is the production of drones different in Russia and Ukraine?
Unlike Russia, where the state dominates drone production, the vast majority of manufacturers in Ukraine are private.
Fedorov also pointed out that only one of the 10 companies whose drones can fly as far as the regions around Moscow or St. Petersburg was state-owned.
In addition, Ukraine's production and supply levels have increased more than 120-fold in 2023, part of a broader military push to develop and produce drones to close the gap in Russia's strike capabilities.
Fedorov also confirmed that he agrees with the assessment of the DIU chief, Gen Kyrylo Budanov, that Ukraine was able to achieve a "certain parity" with Moscow in producing long-range drones.
