17 Oct 2026
Over 170 Ukrainian drones have been authorized for operation since the beginning of the year
According to Colonel Volodymyr Rochniak, head of the Main Directorate for Life Cycle Support of Weapons and Military Equipment, over the first nine months of 2024, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have authorized the use of more than 140 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 33 ground robotic systems of Ukrainian production. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that compared to last year, when 60 UAVs and 9 ground robots were permitted, the pace of production and implementation has significantly increased.
Rochniak emphasized that Ukrainian arms manufacturers are adapting to new frontline requirements by creating UAV systems for various tasks: "The role of unmanned systems is rapidly growing on the battlefield. Ukrainian arms manufacturers are responding swiftly to the needs of the front, producing various types of UAVs and ground robotic systems."
He noted that Ukrainian manufacturers are actively developing the production of UAVs for different purposes, including kamikaze drones, bombers, reconnaissance drones, and correctional drones. They are also producing various types of drones—fixed-wing and quadcopters—as well as different ranges, including tactical, operational, and strategic UAVs. Ground robotic systems perform a wide range of tasks, including strike, reconnaissance, logistical, evacuation, and engineering missions.
The Ministry of Defense also reported that of all the UAVs authorized for use this year, more than 40% were codified during the third quarter of 2024.
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