Over 300,000 drones contracted via nationwide “Army of Drones” initiative – digital minister

Ukraine's digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov reports that over 300,000 drones were contracted under the state's "Army of Drones" project, 90% of which are domestically produced. 

Ukrainian manufacturers were able to scale up production, as the state allocated a historic budget for drones, amounting to over $1 million.

Production of certain types of drones has increased hundreds of times compared to 2022. In 2022, the Ukrainian defense sector purchased 500 FPV drones; in 2023, it purchased 100,000. The number of long-range kamikaze aircraft capable of flying long distances has increased 50 times.

Almost 90% of all drones that strike enemy targets in the Black Sea and reach Belgorod or St. Petersburg were purchased under the "Army of Drones" program.

The number of purchased reusable copters, which can make up to 10 sorties per night and destroy dozens of enemy vehicles, has increased 80 times.

Fedorov believes the pace of contracting will increase in 2024.

This year, Ukraine will produce thousands of long-range drones capable of delivering deep strikes against Russia.

The Army of Drones is a project launched by the AFU General Staff and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. It is a comprehensive program that includes the systematic purchase of drones, their repair, and training courses for relevant specialists.

On 14 August, the Come Back Alive foundation, the United24 fundraising platform, and the Monobank banking system launched the Operation Unity project to purchase 10,000 kamikaze drones for the Ukrainian forces.