Increase in Defense Manufacturing

The commitment to bolster Ukraine's self-reliance in defense technologies has been evident as the nation's defense industry significantly scales up production. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has the potential to manufacture a million FPV (First Person View) drones. Internal production metrics for equipment and weapons have notably tripled in 2023 compared to figures from the previous year. Zelensky also highlighted that Ukraine is systematically increasing the production of ammunition specially designed for drone warfare.

Focus on Explosives and Expansion of Drone Use

Amidst a global shortage of explosives and gunpowder, special attention is to be directed towards their production in 2024. This initiative comes after the major Ukrainian defense industry conglomerate, Ukroboronprom, succeeded in testing an attack drone in December with a range of 1,000 km. Additionally, the "Comeback Alive Foundation" disclosed details of a clandestine operation named "Black Box," which deployed a drone identified as "Beaver." This drone, having a range of up to 800 km, has already been used in missions within Crimea, other regions occupied by enemy forces, and on Russian territory, targeting crucial facilities, including missile production and storage sites.

Comparative Analysis with Shahed 136 Drones

The Shahed 136, the Iranian kamikaze drone model comparable to Ukraine's newly produced drone, weighs approximately 200 kg and carries an estimated explosive payload of 50-60 kg, a figure less than the lightest bombs deployed by bombers. These drones, typically launched in groups of five from a single mount, navigate using GPS and a small engine for flight. Despite lacking a camera, their low cost, mobility, and near invisibility to radar detection, as described by General Mark Hertling, former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, make them a tactical asset on the battlefield. The Shahed-136 can fly up to 2,000 km at a cruising speed of 180 km/h, demonstrating a significant potential for long-range strike capabilities.

In response to escalating conflict dynamics, Ukraine's strategic move to mass-produce these drones signifies a substantial shift in the country's defense posture. Enhancing indigenous production capacity for military hardware aims to secure and sustain the Ukrainian forces' capabilities in what continues to be a challenging and evolving security environment.