Ukraine capable of producing over 2 million drones in 2024
Ukraine is reportedly aiming to transition to drone warfare by deploying combat UAVs capable of flying up to 2,500 kilometers to attack Russian targets.
Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Anna Gvozdiar confirmed on Saturday that Ukraine is ready to launch production of over 2 million drones of various kinds in 2024 as part of boosting the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Gvozdiar relayed to Japanese broadcaster NHK, "This year we are ready to produce over 2 million different types of drones," adding that the country is developing drones via artificial intelligence to evade radio interference by Russia.
Just yesterday, German newspaper Bild revealed that Ukraine was aiming to transition to drone warfare by deploying combat UAVs capable of flying for up to 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) to attack Russian targets.
It was also reported that the Luch Design Bureau located in Kiev designed a spy-and-attack drone which could fly for up to 3,300 kilometers and carry some 300 kilograms (660 pounds).
Read more: West aiding Ukraine attack deep in Russia: CNN
On Friday as well, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Bild that the forthcoming deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would not shift the course of the war in Ukraine.
He mentioned that the allies were preparing to dispatch F-16s and ammunition to Ukraine, with ongoing training for Ukrainian pilots already underway.
Stoltenberg expressed appreciation for the forthcoming delivery of warplanes as another demonstration of allied support for Kiev, noting that it would enhance Ukrainian defenses.
But he acknowledged that there was no "silver bullet" weapon that could definitively secure victory for Ukraine.
Senior Ukrainian officials informed Politico this week that F-16s would have been more beneficial to Ukraine if they were sent a year ago.