U.S. to Allocate $800 Million for Ukrainian Drone Production
21 October, 2024 Ukrainian military with a Shark drone. Photo credits: Ukrspecsystems The United States is preparing a large package of military aid to Ukraine to finance the production of drones by the Ukrainian defense industry.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced this in his address. "Today we have a new decision from the United States to support Ukraine--a new defense package. The volume is £400 million.
Another package is being prepared: funding for the production of Ukrainian drones, £800 million. Ukraine is grateful for this support," Zelensky said. So far, the United States has not officially announced this aid package.
In addition, it is not specified what kind of drones these funds will be allocated for.
Ukrainian-made Lyutyi attack drone.
2024. Photo credits: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
On October 21, 2024, the U.S. Secretary of Defense announced the allocation of the 68th tranche of military aid to Ukraine, worth £400 million.
The new aid package includes armored personnel carriers, ammunition and special equipment.
Financing of the Ukrainian defense industry
Ukrainian partners are seeking to develop the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry and bring it to a level where it can independently meet the needs of the army. As previously reported, the Estonian government wants to buy weapons from the Ukrainian defense industry. The Estonian Defense Minister believes that such cooperation can help the Ukrainian defense industry increase production.
Ukrainian Bohdana self-propelled artillery system.
2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Denmark
As previously reported, the Danish Defense Minister reaffirmed his readiness to continue purchasing Ukrainian-made weapons for the frontline. The Danish Defense Ministry stated that Denmark and Ukraine continue to purchase weapons through the Ukrainian defense industry for a total of DKK 4.2 billion (£600 million).
DKK 2.9 billion will be taken from frozen Russian assets, which Denmark is to cash out on behalf of the EU.