Ukraine Procured 1.6 Million Drones Worth $3B in 2024

In the first 10 months of 2024, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, alongside the Ministry of Digital Affairs, secured a supply of 1.6 million drones valued at over UAH 114 billion (~$3 billion).

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Defense.

Of the total contracted UAVs, suppliers have already delivered approximately 1.28 million units, valued at UAH 81 billion (~$2 billion), while the remaining 366,940 drones are set to be delivered by year-end. The range of drones includes deep strike models, FPV-kamikaze, reconnaissance copters, and other advanced aerial vehicles for diverse battlefield applications. These drones are part of a strategic procurement to equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces with varied technology for frontline effectiveness.

Planning for 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has secured contracts for an additional 155,205 drones at a projected UAH 32.33 billion (~$900 million), encompassing attack drones, reconnaissance models, and FPV-kamikaze units to bolster tactical and operational capabilities. By the end of 2025, the combined procurement efforts of 1.8 million drones across two years underline Ukraine's focus on UAV technology to support its defense forces.

The expansion of drone acquisitions is part of a larger defense collaboration that includes other state entities such as the National Police, National Guard, and Security Service of Ukraine. The government recently extended procurement responsibilities to the SBS Command, which will enhance its drone and electronic warfare resources through these contracts.