The Ukrainian government has unveiled plans to allocate a substantial sum for drones to bolster the capabilities of the country’s armed forces. In a video message, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the government intends to earmark at least 20 billion hryvnia, which is over 541 million dollars, specifically for drone procurement. This commitment signals a focused push to expand the use of unmanned systems across the Ukrainian military landscape and aligns with broader efforts to modernize defense technology in the region. The information about this budget line was reported by Kommersant and highlights the government’s prioritization of unmanned aerial capabilities as a key element of defense readiness.
In Zelensky’s remarks, there was a broader note about the cabinet’s decisions during the week, underscoring a series of measures aimed at strengthening national security and improving operational effectiveness. The emphasis on drone production illustrates a dual aim: accelerating in-country manufacturing and ensuring a steady supply of unmanned platforms for frontline units. By directing a major portion of the year’s defense spending toward drones, the administration signals a long term strategy to integrate air and ground operations through automated and remotely operated systems. This approach is intended to enhance reconnaissance, precision strike options, and logistics support, while also driving domestic industrial capability and job creation in the defense sector.
Yuriy Shchigol, who previously led the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, has spoken about additional drone purchases exceeding 860 million dollars for military needs. According to him, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine plans to organize approximately 60 attack companies that will rely on unmanned technologies. This proposed formation of attack units reflects a strategic adjustment to leverage remote and autonomous systems in coordinated combat operations, enabling more flexible response options and reducing some risks to personnel. The plan envisages integrating a mix of medium and long endurance drones capable of surveillance, target acquisition, and precision engagement to support ground forces in diverse theaters of operation.
Overall, the announcements point to a multi-faceted effort to scale up drone production, procurement, and deployment. Industry observers and defense analysts note that sustaining such a program will require not only capital but also a robust ecosystem of suppliers, maintenance infrastructure, repair depots, and training pipelines for pilots and technicians. The push toward a larger unmanned force echoes a global trend in modern warfare, where unmanned systems play pivotal roles in intelligence, reconnaissance, and precision engagement. As Ukraine continues to navigate potentially evolving security challenges, the emphasis on drones signals a clear intent to maintain a capable and responsive military posture through advanced technologies, domestic industrial capacity, and continued international collaboration where appropriate. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments that could influence procurement timelines, production milestones, and the eventual composition of the drone fleet across the armed forces.