Ukraine plans to invest $550 million to build an army of drones in 2023

According to statements made by Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Oleksii Reznikov, on Monday, Ukraine's armed forces would spend over $550 million to build an army of drones in 2023. Additionally, 16 supply deals have already been inked with Ukrainian manufacturers.

During the eleven months that this conflict has been going on, both the Ukrainian and Russian armed forces have used a wide range of drones for reconnaissance and attack missions. This includes off-the-shelf, consumer camera drones, like the DJI Mavic 3.

Army of drones

“In 2023, we are increasing the procurement of UAVs for the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Reznikov reportedly said. “We plan to allocate about 20 billion hryvnias ($547.05 million) to this segment.”

The Bayraktar TB2, which is made in Turkey and has missiles, and the Black Hornet, which is made in Norway and weighs less than 33 grams together, are two examples of drones that Ukraine's partners have sent in large numbers.

Ukraine is currently looking for ways to increase domestic manufacturing in order to construct what officials have dubbed an “army of drones”

“The independence of the military-industrial complex is one of the factors of the country's defense capability,” Reznikov said.

Last week, the Ukrainian armed forces made an announcement that they would begin creating assault Drone Companies within their armed forces.

According to Reznikov, who works for the Defense Ministry, the ministry has received applications proposing 75 different types of drones that are made in Ukraine.

“After consultations with the General Staff of the Armed Forces, after tests, the Ministry of Defense has already concluded 16 state contracts with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers,” he wrote.