Ukraine ramps up production of Shahed-like drones

Defense Express writes about it. 

At the recent European Business Association meeting, Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin disclosed limited details about the production of long-range aircraft missiles in Ukraine, similar to Iran's Shahed-136.

According to Forbes, the "Ukrainian Shahed" is being produced at a state plant's newly established "service center," aiding small drone companies with state resources. The monthly output has reportedly reached dozens.

This arrangement suggests collaboration between a private defense firm and a major defense enterprise, addressing production capacity challenges and achieving a significant monthly output.

The secrecy surrounding the "Ukrainian Shahed" aligns with Herman Smetanin, head of Ukroboronprom's statement about a Shahed analog in Ukraine. However, the actual product remains unknown.

Speculation arises about whether the well-known "1000-km drone" from "Ukroboronprom" aligns with the concept of a cheap, one-time-use aircraft projectile. Unnamed private developers showcase drones like "Bober," possibly tested during strikes on the Moscow-City, and others like "Morok" and "Rubaka."

The strategic move of involving private companies in state defense efforts addresses their resource limitations while leveraging their nimble decision-making advantages. This approach, shrouded in secrecy for the enemies, is the right move, the article concludes. 

• Ukrainian company Ukroboronprom has initiated mass production of kamikaze UAVs. The Ukrainian Defense Forces have already begun ordering them for their operations.