Key facts
- Russia plans to spend $12 billion next year on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Zelensky cited Ukrainian military intelligence and Russian internal documents for the spending figure.
- Russia has increasingly relied on jet-powered drones in attacks on Ukrainian cities.
- Ukraine is scaling up production of interceptor drones to counter Russian attacks.
- Ukraine currently intercepts about 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed-type drones.
- Ukraine has signed 11 drone deals with international partners, with an additional agreement expected soon.
Russia plans to allocate $12 billion next year for the production of jet-powered drones and loitering munitions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sept. 26, citing intelligence from Ukrainian military sources. Zelensky stated that internal Russian documents indicate this significant investment in a specific category of weaponry.
In recent months, Russia has escalated its use of jet-powered drones in attacks targeting Ukrainian cities, with these drones comprising a substantial portion of assaults on Kyiv. In response, Ukraine is increasing its own production of interceptor drones, with several prototypes currently undergoing combat testing as potential primary defensive measures.
Zelensky indicated that Russia's planned spending suggests no immediate cessation of hostilities. He also urged Ukraine's international partners to enhance sanctions against Russia and bolster joint efforts for drone defense. Currently, Ukraine intercepts approximately 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed-type drones, having faced over 2,730 such launches in September. Ukraine aims to improve this interception rate to over 90%, similar to its success against conventional Shahed drones.
Ukraine has secured 11 drone production agreements with international partners, including a recent deal with Finland signed on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. A 12th agreement is anticipated in the coming weeks, which Zelensky believes will enhance Ukraine's production capacity, funding, and technological advantages. Additionally, Zelensky noted Russia's campaign to disrupt Ukrainian data centers, infrastructure, and communications, aiming to limit internet and digital service access.