Denys Shmyhal: Ministry of Defence ramps up investment in Ukrainian drone production and Defence Forces capabilities

Pursuant to the decision of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Ministry of Defence has approved a reallocation of funds to meet the needs of the Ukrainian military.

Accordingly, UAH 8 billion was allocated to address the immediate needs of Ukrainian Armed Forces units involved in the ‘Drone Line’ project and to strengthen unmanned capabilities in newly formed units. 

“This will enable immediate funding for the urgent needs of units such as Madyar's Birds, K2, Rarog, Achilles, Nemesis, and Black Forest. They have proven highly effective: just last month, 22,700 enemy targets were eliminated,” noted Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal.

An additional UAH 1 billion has been allocated to strengthen anti-drone protection for evacuation and logistics routes.

In parallel, Ukraine is cooperating with partners to finance the ‘Drone Line’ project. In particular, a bilateral agreement with the Netherlands includes provisions for procuring drones from Ukrainian manufacturers. Thanks to this instrument, the Oschadbank, a state-owned bank, has already issued bank guarantees for contracts totaling EUR 837 million.