Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, Alexander Bornyakov, indicated that Kiev has advanced its development of unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic weaponry. He shared these updates in an interview with the Spanish publication Mundo.
Bornyakov noted that a portfolio of 25 new weapon models underwent testing in recent months. The reported tests occurred toward the end of August, with Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology, Mikhail Fedorov, also in attendance to observe the trials and assess readiness.
In related remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed that defense and security expenditures will be a priority in the 2024 budget, with planned allocations reaching at least 43.3 billion dollars. The emphasis is on enhancing defense production and procurement, including a substantial focus on unmanned aerial systems, while ensuring support across veterans’ programs, social welfare, and investments in health and education systems.
Earlier statements from the Ukrainian Finance Minister, Sergei Marchenko, suggested that military spending would be self-sustained primarily through domestic resources, while additional needs and expansions would rely on international partners’ support and financing arrangements.
In a separate development, Russia reported the creation of a new drone suppression system, signaling ongoing efforts in counter-drone capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.