1 million UAVs have been delivered to the Ukrainian frontline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address to the nation on October 14, revealed the Eastern European country's domestic production capacity of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones).

According to the Ukrainian leader, 1 million UAVs purchased with state money have been delivered to the front line as of mid-October.

This comes as UAVs have become a vital asset for Ukrainian forces – providing reconnaissance, targeting support and the ability to strike Russian forces positions.

Ukraine has rapidly expanded domestic drone production to meet battlefield needs, developing a range of unmanned aerial vehicles from small commercial models to larger combat UAVs.

Ukrainian-made UJ-26 Bober one-way attack drone. Photo: News.Az

According to Euromaidan Press, Mr. Zelensky received a report from his strategic advisor, Oleksandr Kamyshin, on October 14 regarding weapons production and supplies to the Ukrainian army.

“A million drones have been bought with public money and delivered to the front as of today. And this is just counting what the state does,” Mr Zelensky said, adding that additional supplies had come from volunteers and other supporters.

The Ukrainian leader thanked everyone who helped the country's military keep up with technological developments: Ukrainian manufacturers, the state sector and all partners contributing to the production of drones in Ukraine.

"We will continue to increase this supply and, most importantly, develop technology that will help us save the lives of our soldiers. Thank you to all those who support Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!", Mr. Zelensky declared in a speech on October 14.

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian leader said his country could produce up to 4 million UAVs a year and was rapidly ramping up production of other weapons. This year, Ukraine has signed contracts to produce 1.5 million drones of various types, he said at a news conference on October 1.

According to Reuters, the production of UAVs or drones was virtually non-existent in Ukraine before Russia launched its military campaign in the country in February 2022.

“In extremely difficult conditions of a full-scale war under constant enemy air strikes, Ukrainians were able to build an almost new defense industry,” Zelensky said.

Speaking at the same press conference, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine had tripled its total domestic arms production by 2023 and then doubled that volume in just the first eight months of this year.

Ukrainian officials have not given exact figures, but say they expect foreign funding to decline as the country’s defense needs continue to grow. As a result, Kiev is increasingly focusing on domestic production as much as possible.

The Ukrainian government plans to increase spending to help boost domestic arms production by 2025, Mr Shmyhal said. "Next year's budget is expected to see a 65% increase in arms purchases. This is an increase of nearly $7 billion," he said.

Ukraine's strategic task is to strengthen its domestic long-range capabilities and create conditions for a technological advantage over Russian forces, the Ukrainian Prime Minister concluded.

Minh Duc (According to Euromaidan Press, Reuters)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/ong-zelensky-1-trieu-uav-da-duoc-chuyen-toi-tien-tuyen-ukraine-2042410151139351.htm