Ukraine’s Defense Ministry signs 16 state contracts with Ukrainian drone manufacturers - Reznikov

This was written by the Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov.

He added that a total of 75 UAVs of various types have already been ordered from Ukrainian manufacturers.

According to the minister, in 2023, the Defence Ministry will increase purchases of UAVs for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. About UAH 20 billion is planned to be spent on this segment.

"We are talking about developing a market for drones with a wide range of use - air, land and water. This includes adjusting artillery, striking the enemy (attack drones), delivering ammunition, evacuating the wounded, etc.," Reznikov wrote.

The minister added that joint meetings of representatives of the Defence Ministry, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and domestic UAV developers and manufacturers are ongoing. 

In particular, on January 30, proposals for improving regulatory procedures were discussed at a meeting of the Coordination Headquarters for the development of production of reconnaissance and attack drones by domestic manufacturers.

"In the coming days, I personally plan to meet with Ukrainian UAV developers and manufacturers, after another very important meeting in the interests of the Defence Forces," Reznikov said, noting that Ukraine can become one of the world leaders in this field and must be ready not only to defend itself but also to assist its allies, "acting as a shield of Europe in the east."

"That is why our goal is to have a modern air and missile defense system, a powerful navy with coastal defense, and combat aviation. Yes, we are facing a difficult challenge - increasing the independence of the military-industrial complex by providing the Ukrainian army with Ukrainian-made products," Reznikov emphasized.

• On January 26, Reznikov noted that Western tanks at the front would be supported by Ukrainian artillery, and Ukrainians would see new drone developments soon