Ukraine plans to acquire $540 million worth of drones this year

Europe, News February 4, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Ukraine is bracing for an intense Russian attack in the coming spring. Following the plans to upgrade Ukraine’s defense strategy, the country’s defense ministry announced on February 2, 2023, that it plans to acquire $540 million worth of drones this year.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in a social media post that “In 2023, we are increasing the purchases of UAVs for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“We plan to allocate about 20 billion hryvnias ($547.05 million) to this segment.” He further said that “This is just the beginning. After all, this is not only about the needs of aerial reconnaissance.”

Combat drones have played a pivotal role during the Russia-Ukraine war as both sides have abundantly used drones to carry out attacks and surveillance. Oleksii said that the Ukrainian military is focusing on enhancing its combat drone operations capabilities. He added that Ukraine will use other new UAVs for surveillance, to support artillery units, and in other missions.

So far, Ukraine has ordered drones for its armed forces from 16 local manufacturers. Kyiv also continues to buy foreign-made UAVs and combat drones. A recent contract for 105 Vector reconnaissance drones was signed with German manufacturer Quantum-Systems.

According to Quantum-Systems “the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has placed a second batch order of Vector systems, following an earlier order of 33 UAS of the same model in August 2022.” The statement further said that “Vector has been extensively used and intensively tested on the Ukrainian battlefield, where it has proven to be an asset for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Its robust and rugged design makes it well-suited for operation in harsh environments and extreme weather conditions.”

*^{Vector surveillance drones from the German Quantum-Systems GmbH. (Image Credit: Quantum-Systems)}*

Ukraine has also received significant supplies of UAVs from other partners. Turkish-made TB2 drone has been one of the most widely used drones by Ukrainian forces. Apart from that, a Norwegian-made Black Hornet reconnaissance drone has also been used, which weighs less than 33 grams.

Ukraine plans to be fully prepared by the end of this winter as Russian forces may increase their offense in spring. Ukraine has been asking for more weapons and especially air defense systems from its partners and allies, particularly after the recent wave of Russian attacks.

Ukraine’s western allies have been responding to Ukraine’s call for help in the form of military aid and weapons. Germany, particularly, had been under heavy pressure to let Leopard tanks go to Ukraine but the ruling Social Democrat party is traditionally skeptical of military involvements and wary of sudden moves that could cause Moscow to further escalate. However, after the U.S. announced sending 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Germany came forward to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine while also allowing other European to do the same.