Jean MartinUkraine’s Digital Transformation Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, revealed in an interview with Reuters on February 12 that Ukraine anticipates the production of thousands of long-range drones capable of penetrating deep into Russian territory by the year’s end.
Expansion of Drone Manufacturing Sector:
Fedorov disclosed that Ukraine currently boasts up to 10 companies manufacturing drones with the capability of reaching key Russian cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Notably, the emergence of long-range kamikaze drones with ranges from 300 to 1,000 kilometers signifies a significant advancement in Ukraine’s domestic drone production sector.
Achieving Parity with Russia:
Fedorov echoed Ukrainian Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov’s assessment, suggesting that Kyiv has achieved a “certain kind of parity” with Moscow regarding long-range drone capabilities.
Unlike Russia’s state-dominated drone production landscape, Ukraine’s UAV manufacturers primarily operate as private entities, underscoring the agility and innovation inherent in the country’s approach to technological advancements.
Embracing Non-Bureaucratic Approaches:
Fedorov emphasized the importance of adopting non-bureaucratic strategies to foster technological breakthroughs, citing the need for swift and agile decision-making processes.
He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance its defensive capabilities and ensure national security.
Remarkable Growth in UAV Production:
According to Fedorov, Ukraine witnessed a remarkable surge in UAV production and deliveries in 2023, experiencing a more than 120-fold increase.
This exponential growth reflects Ukraine’s wartime imperative to narrow the technological gap with Russia and bolster its offensive capabilities through the development and deployment of advanced drone technologies.
