The Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive “many times more” drones in December compared to November amid increasing intensity of drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk said on Tuesday.
“In the past few months, our military has been receiving more drones of various types and modifications. But we need to understand that, given the intensity of hostilities in certain sectors of the front, UAVs, especially those of the tactical level, are, in fact, expendable. Their supply needs to be replenished almost continuously, like shells,” Havryliuk said as cited by state news agency Ukrinform.
He added: “In November, we managed to send more UAVs to the troops than in the previous month. We have recently received additional funds for procurement. Therefore, in December, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive many times more drones. I hope the picture on the battlefield will change. It is important to add that it is necessary to scale up not only the production of UAVs, but also the production of EW [electronic warfare systems]. We are increasingly stimulating the activation of domestic production of this equipment. Maximum efforts are being made and possible financial resources are being attracted for this.”
Havryliuk stated that “about 70 modifications of unmanned aerial vehicles and more than 20 different types of ammunition for UAVs were currently in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In addition, new models of electronic warfare are being sent to the front lines.”
This comes as drone warfare intensifies between Moscow and Kyiv, with both sides using UAVs to strike the heartland of the other side, usually targeting vital infrastructure.
The Kremlin had stated that a clear and present danger of potential drone attacks on Moscow exists, and appropriate security measures are being taken. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces increased the intensity of UAV attacks targeting the Russian capital.