**Ukraine’s Armed Forces Respond to Claims of Drone Shortage**
In a recent interview, Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, stated that the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade had not received any state-supplied FPV drones for three months. However, Ukraine’s Armed Forces have responded to these claims, saying that the brigade has actually received a significant number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since January.
According to the military, the 3rd Assault Brigade has received a total of 7,992 UAVs between January 1 and May 27. This number includes various types of drones, but does not specify whether it includes FPV drones specifically. The Armed Forces also stated that all requests submitted by the brigade for equipment have been fulfilled.
The logistics service of Ukraine’s military said that units are provided with a list of available equipment and can select what they need. If a specific modification is required that is not in stock, the unit must submit a separate request to the Defense Ministry for targeted funding.
This response contradicts Biletskyi’s claims that the 3rd Assault Brigade had received no FPV drones for three months. However, the commander did say that the supply flow of drones to his unit has fluctuated, with some periods seeing only 30-40% of what was needed being delivered.
**The Importance of Drones in Ukraine’s War**
Drones have proven to be a crucial tool in Ukraine’s war with Russia, with both sides using them extensively on the front lines and for strikes beyond the battlefield. The ability to receive timely supplies of drones is essential for Ukraine’s military, as it allows them to maintain their combat effectiveness.
The allocation of funds by the Defense Ministry to support drone purchases is also a key factor in ensuring that Ukraine’s military has access to the equipment they need. As of May 28, the state had reportedly allocated Hr 151.5 million (about $3.6 million) for drone purchases, with 57% of those funds having been spent.
**The Future of Independent Journalism**
As a nonprofit news organization, the Kyiv Independent relies on support from readers to continue providing accurate and unbiased reporting from Ukraine. The goal is to reach 20,000 members to prove that independent journalism can survive without paywalls or compromise. Will you help us achieve this goal?
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
