In the first nine months of 2024, the Ministry of Defence codified and adopted over 140 UAV systems and 33 ground robotic systems, all made in Ukraine, for use in the Defence Forces. To compare, in 2023, 60 UAV systems and 9 ground robotic systems of domestic production were codified.

“The significance of UAV systems on the battlefield is increasing rapidly. Ukrainian weapons manufacturers promptly respond to the demands of the front lines. At present, they manufacture an extensive array of UAV systems,” said Colonel Volodymyr Rochniak, Head of the Main Department of Support for the Lifecycle of Weapons and Military Equipment. 

According to him, Ukrainian weapons manufacturers are actively developing the production of aerial drones for various purposes, such as kamikaze, bomber, reconnaissance, and observer drones. The drones in production are also different in terms of type (fixed-wing, copter) and range (tactical, operational, and strategic). Ground robotic systems also perform diverse tasks depending on their functional roles: strike, reconnaissance, logistics, evacuation, engineering, etc.

Of all the adopted drones (both aerial and ground-based), over 40% were codified in the third quarter of the year. This demonstrates the revival of weapon manufacturing in Ukraine. 

The UAV systems authorized for use in the Ukrainian Defence Forces include those that can resist electronic warfare, are transparent to radar, operate with low noise levels, equipped with terminal guidance and self-destruction systems, etc.

Manufacturers and designers of weapons and military equipment are encouraged to contact the Main Department of Support for the Lifecycle of Weapons and Military Equipment via email for further inquiries regarding the codification process: [email protected]