Ukraine works to improve its drones to counter Russian threats

In response to daily drone strikes from Russia, Ukraine is ramping up production and modification of drones. Brigadier General Vadym Hladkov highlighted key upgrades aimed at improving the resilience of Ukrainian drones against Russian defenses.

Sep 19, 2024 - 05:00

Ukraine works to improve its drones to counter Russian threats

attack drone unit Ukraine 128 brigade

Ukraine has set up workshops where it upgrades drone components to enhance their effectiveness on the front lines and resilience against enemy electronic warfare systems, Brigadier General Vadym Hladkov, First Deputy Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, told in his interview with Ukrinform.

Drones have changed modern warfare, and it is especially evident during the Russo-Ukrainian war. Ukraine relies on drones as it faces shortages of military supplies, from artillery shells to long-range missiles, and is limited in destroying targets inside Russia’s territory.

In late 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans for Ukraine to produce one million drones and increase artillery shell quantities in 2024.

“We already have our own workshops where we assemble drones and improve them. We also have certain facilities where we conduct adjustments or repairs and fix defects or malfunctions—it happens sometimes. We upgrade power elements, control boards, drop systems, and more. As a result, their effectiveness and resistance to the enemy’s electronic warfare systems increase,” said Hladkov.

Hladkov added that the antennas and controllers on the drones are being modified. According to him, the state is ramping up weapons production, including drones. At the same time, he emphasized that Russia is also increasing its own weapons production.

Meanwhile, Moscow forces continue their daily drone attacks on Ukraine. On 18 September, Ukraine’s Air Defense Forces shot down 46 out of 52 “Shahed” attack drones launched by Russia against Ukraine.

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