Umierov: Ukraine can produce up to 4 million drones a year

Defence Minister Rustem Umierov. Photo: Facebook Rustem Umierov

This year, Ukraine intends to send more than 4 million drones to the frontline. About 1.5 million drones have already been delivered — through public procurement and directly to military units.

This was announced by Defence Minister Rustem Umierov, according to «LIGA.net».

«This year we plan to deliver more than 4 million drones to the frontline. As of today, approximately 1.5 million have already been delivered — these are purchases through the Defence Procurement Agency, the State Special Communications Service and directly to the brigades», Rustem Umierov said.

The Ministry of Defence and the government allocate 2.5 billion hryvnias every month for the purchase of drones for combat units. Since not all units fully use these funds, the DOT Chain Defence system is being launched — a drone marketplace where brigades will be able to choose what they need, and the state will pay for the order. According to Umierov, this will speed up the supply of equipment and increase combat effectiveness.

«Expanding the scale of production is one of the main factors that allows us to strengthen both long-haul and frontline capabilities, as well as create a reserve of capacity for the future,» Rustem Umierov added.

As a reminder, Ukraine and the UK are launching a joint «mega-project» for the production of drones.

The Government of Norway will also provide Ukraine with NOK 6.5 billion (about 550 million euros) to purchase drones and technologies from Ukrainian and European manufacturers.