Ukrainian Antonov will produce drones for Ukraine's army

Reuters reports this with reference to a closed presentation by Ukroboronprom.

In a presentation, Ukroboronprom said that the purpose of opening a drone production center at Antonov is to expand the production capabilities of unmanned systems and provide support to private manufacturers in terms of expertise and services.

Antonov does not comment on drone production plans for security reasons.

Antonov's new center includes 26 functions, including experimental aerodynamic research, the creation of fully functional simulators for training UAV operators, and the development of component standards.

The production of cargo aircraft remains the company's main focus, but the new drone center will help meet Ukraine's military needs. Antonov will apply the technology it uses to produce airplanes to long-range drones, which will allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike "deeper into Russia's territory."

"The defense sector will be number one in Ukraine very soon,” said Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's Minister of Strategic Industries. He added that Ukraine wants to invest more in aircraft repair and construction, so giants like Antonov and others are likely to only grow. According to Kamyshin, Ukroboronprom intends to unload about 50% of its assets, which are used inefficiently and are not related to production.

Previously, Antonov designed and manufactured Gorlytsia drones, but cargo planes were the company's main focus. 

• Ukrainian engineers and the military have developed a new FPV strike drone, the KH-S7. It is designed to engage a variety of moving and stationary ground targets.