Zelensky: One million drones purchased at the expense of the state are already on the front line

15 October, 2024 Ukrainian military man with a drone. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine The previously announced one million drones the state has pledged to purchase are already on the front line.

Volodymyr Zelensky reported this in his evening video address. According to him, the announced one million drones, which the state pledged to purchase at its own expense at the end of 2023, have already been transferred to the units. The President also noted that one million drones are purchased exclusively by the state and do not include supplies from volunteers and all those who support them.

A Ukrainian soldier with a Darts attack drone, August 2024. Photo credits: Come Back Alive Foundation

In addition, the President noted that this is only the beginning, and the state will significantly increase the purchase of weapons needed on the front line to save the lives of our soldiers. The overall plan is to reach a production rate of three million unmanned aerial vehicles per year in various configurations and models, both to support infantry and to strike at Russian territory.

"The total number of drones that we are now able to produce annually in Ukraine is four million, and more than a million and a half have already been contracted," Zelensky said at the opening of the Second International Defense Industries Forum, which took place in early October 2024. In addition, he noted that the Defense Forces are using an entirely new class of Ukrainian weapon - the Palianytsia long-range missile drone. He also emphasized that other types of Ukrainian long-range drones and missiles are in operation.

Ukrainian-made Palianytsia long-range missile drone. (Photo credits: United24)

"Naval drones are working to protect Ukraine.

Our new ballistic missile has successfully passed flight tests, and everyone can see how our Neptune missiles work," the President said. Militarnyi previously reported that Ukraine is considering lifting the ban on drone exports to obtain additional funds to increase drone production for the Ukrainian Defense Forces' needs. Currently, Ukrainian troops on the front line urgently need a large number of drones for various purposes.

However, the state's resources to pay for the production and supply of drones are limited.

Therefore, drone manufacturers seek opportunities to export their products abroad to raise funds to expand production and attract investors.