In 2024, Ukraine will produce thousands of long-range drones capable of deep strikes against Russia, and already has up to 10 companies that produce drones capable of reaching Moscow and St. Petersburg. This was stated by Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, in an interview with Reuters.


"The category of long-range kamikaze drones is growing - 300, 500, 700 and 1000 kilometers. Two years ago, this category did not exist... at all," Fedorov said.


According to Fedorov, the Ukrainian government is taking steps to develop military-technical startups and has allocated about $2.5 million in grants for this purpose, which should be increased 10-fold in 2024 as part of the BRAVE1 initiative.


Fedorov emphasized that Ukraine is attracting investment in the development of unmanned systems, which is an important part of the strategy in the face of a shortage of artillery shells.


Ukraine's drone industry is largely dependent on components from other countries, but according to Fedorov, there are attempts to localize component production.


Fedorov also noted that the government is taking steps to liberalize the production of ammunition for drones to allow private companies to produce and supply them for the army.


Over the past three months, more than 20 companies have already been tested and can supply ammunition for state needs, the minister added.