Ukraine Matches Russia in the Production of its Own Shahed Drone Equivalent – Sky Bulletin

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The Ukrainian government has made significant strides in producing attack drones comparable to the Shahed drones originally designed in Iran. Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, in a recent broadcast on February 26, emphasized that Ukraine’s capabilities in this area “are no longer inferior to Russia’s.”

The nation has been accelerating the development and production of these drones, which are vital for warfare, with a goal set to build one million drones within the year. Russia has employed Shahed-type kamikaze drones, including those it received from Iran and those manufactured within its borders, to carry out attacks on Ukraine since the latter part of February 2022.

The Ukrainian variant of the Shahed drone is reported to replicate the original, boasting analogous explosive payloads, operational ranges, and other technical specifics, Kamyshin announced on a national television broadcast.

Reflecting on the production capabilities for the year 2024, Kamyshin pointed out that they are sixfold what they were the previous year, with the country’s defense industry having tripled its output in 2023 compared to 2022. This statement was made at a forum in Kyiv on February 25.

Ukraine’s New Strategy: Domestic Drones to Counteract Russian Attacks

President Volodymyr Zelensky, on February 7, underscored the formation of a new branch within the Ukrainian Armed Forces that will specialize in drone operations. Since the invasion, Ukraine has been at the forefront of deploying innovative drone techniques, ranging from utilizing specialized military UAVs to adapting commercial drones for combat.

More than 90% of the drones currently employed at the Ukrainian front lines are domestically produced, as disclosed by Digital Transformations Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Moreover, Ukraine is actively working towards the mass production of assault drones akin to the Russian Lancet drones, which can cover distances up to 40 kilometers. This plan was revealed by Fedorov on February 7.

To further this initiative, President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted a decree for the establishment of a dedicated branch within the Ukrainian Armed Forces for drone operations.

The newly announced Unmanned Systems Forces will concentrate on enhancing Ukraine’s drone initiatives, instituting specialized units for drones, expanding training programs, standardizing drone application, boosting production rates, and fostering technological innovation in this field.

The Rising Threat of Russia’s Indigenous Lancet Drone

As enthusiasts in pro-Ukraine internet circles celebrate the frequent visual evidence of Russian military hardware being destroyed, the Lancet drone continues to instill a sense of concern within Ukraine, reflecting on the narratives prevailing in Russian online communities.

FAQs About Ukraine’s Advancement in Drone Production

  1. What type of drones is Ukraine producing that are comparable to the Shahed drones?
    • Ukraine is producing equivalent drones to the Shahed-type kamikaze drones, with similar explosive payloads, ranges, and other technical specifications.
  2. What are the production goals for these drones in Ukraine?
    • The current goal is to manufacture one million drones within the year.
  3. How much has Ukraine’s drone production increased recently?
    • In 2023, Ukraine’s defense industry tripled its production compared to 2022, and capabilities are expected to be six times higher in 2024.
  4. What percentage of drones used on the front lines in Ukraine are made domestically?
    • Over 90% of the drones used are Ukrainian-made.
  5. Has Ukraine established a specific branch of the Armed Forces for drones?
    • Yes, President Zelensky has signed a decree to create the Unmanned Systems Forces, focused on drones.

Conclusion

Ukraine’s rapid development in the field of drone production has set a new benchmark in its military strategy. Matching Russia’s capabilities with the production of Shahed-type drones and moving towards the mass production of assault drones similar to the Russian Lancet signifies a significant leap in self-reliance and military innovation. With over 90% of front-line drones being produced domestically, Ukraine is demonstrating its commitment to counteracting external threats and reinforcing its defense mechanisms through advanced technology.

Note: This post is not original news content and was created with AI news feed technology, using various online sources. The original content link is here for reference.

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