Work on drones began after the first Ukrainian counteroffensive in the fall of 2022. Efforts intensified in preparation for Ukraine’s second counteroffensive in 2023.
The administration of US President Joseph Biden has disclosed information about Ukraine’s support for the creation of the drone industry, which has become key in the confrontation with the Russian army. The New York Times reported it.
US officials said Thursday that they have made major investments that have helped Ukraine start and expand drone production as it battles Russia’s bigger and better military equipment.
Much of the US aid to the Ukrainian military, including billions of dollars in missiles, air defense systems, tanks, artillery and training, is publicly disclosed. But other support has largely remained in the shadows. This includes helping Ukraine develop a new generation of drones and revolutionary warfare techniques.
According to the publication, last fall the Pentagon allocated $800 million for the development of drones in Ukraine. The funds were used to buy shares and finance manufacturers. In September 2024, in a meeting at the White House, Biden announced an additional $1.5 billion investment in the sector. American intelligence officials also participated in the development of the Ukrainian drone program.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said drones are becoming a key element of modern warfare. According to him, cooperation with Ukraine in this direction has given “a very important lesson” that is now incorporated into the US defense industry.
American aid has allowed Ukraine to create drones that have become more effective and deadly, the Pentagon and the CIA have acknowledged. CIA Director William Burns said the investment has helped Ukraine defend itself and changed the way it fights wars.
Let’s recall that the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky spoke at a meeting of the contact group on the defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format and called on the participants to increase the participation of drones in the production of our state.
Also, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, by 2024 the share of Ukrainian-made drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine will reach 96.2%.
Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky said that compared to last year, the volume of delivery of drones increased 19 times. It also affected the number of targets hit and destroyed.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.