Pentagon considers deployment of Ukrainian drones. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Frontline situation – Zaporizhzhia region

Let me start by saying that Russian forces are currently continuing offensive operations on several fronts, with increased activity in southern Ukraine, particularly in the Zaporizhzhia region. Yesterday, March 18, the Ukrainian General Staff again emphasized this area, noting that Russian forces are conducting offensive actions near the settlements of Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, and Shcherbaky. All these settlements are marked on the map with a yellow zone, with arrows indicating how Russian troops are trying to break through to them.

The intensification of actions in this direction began in early March. On March 12, the number of Russian attacks was the highest - up to 12. Russian forces continue using small group tactics, trying to break through and establish a foothold in Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, and Shcherbaky. This area stretches from Pyatykhatky to Shcherbaky, about 11 kilometers, and the bypass road to Orikhiv runs through these villages. The bypass road is a road that runs along the front and provides logistics support for Ukrainian units.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade is operating. This is a video from their unmanned aerial systems battalion.

Also, a video was released from the 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion, showing how Russian troops operate. The Russians are using buggies, light vehicles, "bukhankas" (UAZ vehicles), and small groups trying to break through through the thickets to these settlements and establish a foothold. In addition to using drones, Ukrainian side is actively employing artillery, and there is hope that the Russian increased activity will be halted by the actions of Ukrainian brigades.

We know that there has been no active combat in the Zaporizhzhia sector for a long time. Some Russian units from this area were redeployed to the Kursk region. The last active attempts at an offensive by the Russians occurred around November of last year. At that time, it was said that Russian troops were about to accumulate forces and might begin an assault on Zaporizhzhia, which seems to be about 30 kilometers away.

Most likely, Russian invading forces are trying, on one hand, to test Ukraine's defense, and on the other, to create the illusion of a possible offensive, so Ukraine would move its resources and reserves to this section of the front. I hope that with Ukrainian forces and means, they will be able to halt any Russian offensive actions. We understand that right now, on many sections of the front, Russian troops will try to intensify actions, attempting to seize some part of Ukrainian territory.

Pentagon considers purchase of Ukrainian drones

Currently, unmanned systems play a crucial role on the battlefield. It seems that Ukraine's experience is now so vast that it is even breaking through the formal procedures of the United States. We know that the U.S. military can only be equipped with weapons and equipment produced within the United States or by exclusively American companies.

Recently, an interesting piece of news emerged, related to two Ukrainian companies making it to the shortlist of the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Department. This department is implementing the ARTEMIS project, created to supply American, European, and Indo-Pacific commands with cheap drones capable of hitting targets at distances of 30-50 km and having a low cost of munitions.

At the end of last year, there was a tender in which 164 samples were presented, and in March, a shortlist was released, featuring two American companies and two Ukrainian companies through partners in the U.S. The names of the Ukrainian companies are not disclosed for security reasons. As for the American companies, one of them is AeroVironment, which manufactures Switchblade drones that were previously supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These drones are now being offered to the U.S. military.

If everything goes well, we will soon learn which Ukrainian companies, in partnership with American ones, may supply products to the Pentagon. If this becomes a reality, it will confirm that Ukrainian experience is allowing Americans to reconsider their approaches to the development of unmanned systems.

Ukrainian defense industry

Next, let’s talk about how Ukrainian companies are strengthening the drone capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Today, around 500 Ukrainian companies produce drones for various purposes. If we single out the most powerful among them, those with over 10 years of experience, there are about 10 such manufacturers. One of the top system-based drone producers in this group is the Scientific and Production Enterprise Athlon Avia, known for developing the Furia artillery reconnaissance and fire correction system. The Furia has several versions and modifications, refined over time to meet battlefield requirements, and is now actively used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

Artem Vyunnyk, director of Athlon Avia, noted that competition among numerous enterprises is leading to the emergence of new and interesting models. On the other hand, if the Ministry of Defense’s budget is divided among 500–600 companies, each enterprise or manufacturer will receive a rather insignificant share, which won’t ensure sustainable development. He pointed out that there’s likely no future in having 500 or 600 producers of similar products because all systems require maintenance and support. Additionally, differences between various systems create challenges, such as the compatibility of crews operating different platforms - a problem the military is well aware of. As a result, an objective situation will arise where some companies, not receiving orders, will leave the market, while others will reach a level where they can begin exporting their products. This will be a natural process of balancing the industry.

The director of Athlon Avia believes that competition makes the most sense when one or, at most, three similar models are selected to perform specific tasks. When a manufacturer proves its capabilities and system-based approach, cooperation should look like long-term work focused on supporting the product’s life cycle for the military: training, maintenance, developing tactical applications, and improving the product. In this way, the forms of cooperation become clear, and it’s natural that the current large number of companies will eventually narrow down. It’s worth noting that many of these 500 or 600 companies are effectively sitting without orders, which creates some confusion in the industry.

The Ukrainian manufacturer added that it is very dangerous when products appear on the battlefield that pose a threat to the lives of Ukrainian servicemen. Therefore, on the one hand, it’s necessary to be pragmatic and consider the complexity and potential dangers of such systems. On the other hand, manufacturers must meet the demands of the times and work at speed. That’s why manufacturing companies should focus on getting their products officially adopted, undergoing state trials, and becoming more systematic, organized, and serious producers. Completing the full cycle of testing ensures reliability and effectiveness, turning a prototype or a series of prototypes into actual military equipment.

Vyunnyk noted that companies should be allowed to take their prototypes abroad for demonstrations, testing, and negotiations with potential customers. This step could help many companies understand the direction they need to take and how much more work is required. Most likely, about 90% of companies, when faced with various requirements, will realize they are still far from being ready for export. That’s why it’s necessary to open up the possibility for the temporary export of functioning prototypes for preliminary negotiations and demonstrations. Of course, all manufacturers aim to enter export markets, but they must understand that signing an export contract is not as simple as it seems. One shouldn’t be under the illusion that wartime experience alone is enough to sell products to foreign armies.