Over 95% of Ukraine’s Drones are now of domestic production

Ukraine is pushing the limits, with over 95% of the drones currently used by Ukrainian forces on the front lines are produced domestically, Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin said on Sunday, according to Interfax Ukraine.

Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has rapidly expanded its capabilities in unmanned systems, investing heavily in technological innovation and the development of aerial, naval, and ground-based drones.

“We have made a breakthrough in the unmanned systems sector,” Churkin said. “More than 95% of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) currently used at the front are Ukrainian-made.”

Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly turned to drone warfare to gain an edge on the battlefield, deploying drones for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions.

Ukrainian officials have emphasized the strategic importance of building a self-sufficient defense industry, particularly in the drone sector, to counter ongoing Russian attacks and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The government has launched multiple initiatives to support domestic drone manufacturers, including fast-tracking procurement procedures and providing targeted funding for research and development.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry authorized more than 330 new models of domestically produced unmanned systems in 2024, up from just 75 models the previous year, Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin said, according to Interfax Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has significantly accelerated innovation and expanded domestic arms production. President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this month that more than 40% of the weapons used on the front lines are now manufactured in Ukraine.

As part of efforts to further strengthen its defense industry and reduce dependence on foreign arms deliveries, Ukraine allocated $1.3 billion toward defense manufacturing in its 2025 budget. The government also aims to raise an additional $1 billion this year to support domestic arms procurement under a “Danish model,” which allows foreign governments to finance Ukrainian arms purchases directly from local producers.

Officials say these initiatives are critical to ensuring long-term military resilience as Ukraine continues to defend against Russia’s ongoing aggression.

Read more about Ukraine’s drones industry here.