**Ukraine Boosts Air Defense with Thousands of Interceptor Drones**
In a bid to counter Russia’s escalating aerial attacks, Ukraine has contracted tens of thousands of interceptor drones, according to the director of the country’s Defense Procurement Agency, Arsen Zhumadilov. This move comes as Russia launched over 1,800 drones against Ukraine in just one week, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning of a significant escalation.
The need for air defense has become critical, and interceptor drones are playing a crucial role in this effort. These drones can detect and neutralize incoming aerial threats, providing a vital layer of protection for Ukrainian forces. With the technology now entering mass-production, Ukraine is rapidly increasing its drone capabilities to match Russia’s aggression.
**Mass-Producing Drones to Counter Russia’s Attacks**
Zhumadilov emphasized that Ukraine has already contracted tens of thousands of drones and plans to contract more, depending on the manufacturer’s capacity and state budget. If funding allows, Ukraine will not only produce but also transfer these drones to partner countries as part of international military aid. Alternatively, they may use the “Danish model,” where EU countries fund Ukrainian arms producers to supply weapons to Ukraine’s military.
Ukraine has made significant strides in developing its drone capabilities since 2022, transitioning from modifying commercial aircraft to producing sophisticated military UAVs, attack drones, and reconnaissance systems at scale. At a recent NATO summit, President Zelensky hinted that Ukraine could produce as many as eight million drones per year if given sufficient financial backing.
**Operation Spiderweb: A Successful Drone-Driven Operation**
The successful Operation Spiderweb, which targeted four key military airfields in Russia using Ukrainian drones, serves as a testament to the country’s growing drone capabilities. Meanwhile, Russia has planned to produce 2 million first-person-view (FPV) drones and 30,000 long-range and decoy drones for its war against Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Drone Production Soars**
According to reports from April, Ukraine has more than doubled its long-range drone output in 2024 compared to 2023 – a staggering 22-fold increase over 2022. This rapid growth demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity, further solidifying its resolve to counter Russia’s aggression.
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