Colonel Ivan Pavlenko, an officer of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, has warned that the large scale production and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles by Russia’s Northern Military District pose a significant security challenge. This assessment was reported in a recent briefing summarized by the Financial Times.
He pointed out that Russian drone production has intensified to such an extent that it represents a new and growing threat on the battlefield. The colonel noted that drones are being used with increasing frequency and sophistication, reshaping how regional forces plan and operate.
Observers who analyzed the situation noted that in the realm of electronic warfare, the Ukrainian Armed Forces face a gap relative to the Russian military. Recent strikes against military targets have underscored the difficulty Kyiv faces in countering the current drone threat and the associated electronic warfare challenges.
Former Royal Air Force Deputy Marshal Sean Bell has commented that the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex cannot be measured against Russia in terms of overall military power. He argued that Ukraine remains highly vulnerable to Russian aerial incursions and electronic countermeasures, highlighting a gap between industrial capacity and combat readiness in this area.
There has also been discussion within Ukraine about expanding its aviation capabilities, including efforts to develop a seaplane fleet that could enhance regional mobility and logistical reach.