Zelensky Vows to Boost Production of New Interceptor Drones Following Massive Russian Assault:
President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a strategic drive to boost local manufacture of sophisticated interceptor drones in order to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses following one of the most severe aerial attacks since the start of the conflict.
The declaration comes after Russian soldiers launched a nighttime attack on the capital Kyiv and neighboring areas using more than 550 drones and missiles.
More than 400 rounds were successfully intercepted by Ukrainian air defense systems, but the attack’s scope and coordination resulted in extensive damage, at least one civilian fatality, and more than two dozen injuries.
“We are taking our defense into our own hands and are no longer only depending on our partners. Ukraine will greatly increase its manufacture of advanced interceptor drones, Zelensky Said in a televised address.
The president of Ukraine Stated that both domestic companies and foreign partners will work together to produce these drones, which are intended to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones, which are increasingly being employed by Russian forces, as well as cruise missiles.
Collaborative Production with Global Partners:
Zelensky stated that talks to jointly develop and mass-produce anti-drone technologies are in progress with important allies, such as the US. The discussions follow a contentious phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Trump said, “Putin is not looking to stop.”
In retaliation, Kyiv is intensifying calls for a “drone shield” effort that would resemble NATO’s missile defense systems in structure and position Ukraine as a European leader in drone technology as well as a front-line defender.
Strategic Importance:
The creation of indigenous interceptor drones, according to experts, represents a significant shift in Ukraine’s defense strategy. “This is about deterrent, not simply protection.
The success in taking down hundreds of drones demonstrates to Russia the limitations of their saturation tactics, according to Lviv-based military analyst Ihor Kovalchuk.
Drone production facilities in Dnipro, Lviv, and Kharkiv will receive immediate financing and resource support to expedite the program, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, which has not provided any particular deadlines.
Source: DW News and other media outlets
