Ukraine Ramps Up Drone Production, Aiming for Over 1 Million FPV Drones in 2024

Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, has revealed that the country's defense industry is gearing up to produce over 1 million First Person View (FPV) drones in the year 2024.

This substantial increase in drone production comes on the heels of the "Army of Drones" project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering the country's drone capabilities through acquisition, maintenance, and specialized training programs for drone specialists.

Fedorov emphasized the impressive surge in drone deliveries by the state, disclosing that December 2023 witnessed a staggering 50-fold increase in drone supplies compared to the entire year of 2022. This surge in production is attributed to the concerted efforts under the "Army of Drones" initiative, which covers the entire spectrum of drone operations.

A recent Ukrainian startup, operating within the framework of the "Army of Drones" project, is reported to be manufacturing hundreds of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) daily. The startup focuses on the production, repair, and training courses for specialists involved in drone operations.

International attention was drawn to Ukraine's drone capabilities when Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was given a glimpse of a classified enterprise dedicated to the production of military drones. Photos released from the facility showcased workers diligently assembling hundreds of Shrike FPV drones.

Minister Fedorov, in a statement last year, highlighted the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of the Shrike drones, stating that they cost only a few hundred dollars but deliver impressive results. He pointed out that the Shrikes are fast, easy to use, and precision-targeted, effectively neutralizing enemy positions and equipment.

"Shrikes are fast and easy to use, hitting exactly the target, hitting positions and equipment of invaders. So each of them will help fighters turn even more equipment of invaders into scrap metal," said Mykhailo Fedorov.

Moreover, reports indicate that Ukraine has officially launched mass production of Lancet-type loitering munitions. Fedorov detailed that the Ukrainian strike drones are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 40 kilometers. The development of this market took the Ukrainian defense industry approximately half a year.