“The Ukrainian defense industry has the capability to produce 10 million drones annually,” said Oleksandr Kozenko at a security forum in Singapore

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksandr Kozenko spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security forum in Singapore.

He participated in a panel discussion titled “Innovative Defense Solutions for Future Challenges” alongside the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo; the German Chief of Defence, General Carsten Breuer; the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General Anil Chauhan; and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Admiral Renato Rodrigues.

During his speech, the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine briefed forum participants on the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry, with particular emphasis on drone production. He emphasized that Ukrainian drones are significantly more cost-effective than their counterparts and, most importantly, have been proven in combat.

“Ukraine has taken its drone capabilities to a new level, driving innovation in air, land, and sea applications. “Ukraine’s defense industry is currently capable of producing 10 million drones per year across multiple categories,” said Oleksandr Kozenko.

He also emphasized that the operational experience gained daily by Ukrainian UAV operators is shaping doctrinal changes in the use of these strike systems. According to him, drones account for 80% of all battlefield strikes.

In conclusion, Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Kozenko called on international defense companies to collaborate with the Ukrainian defense industry, specifically through funding production, establishing joint ventures, and sharing expertise.

Photo source: The International Institute for Strategic Studies