President Zelensky Says Ukraine Will Produce One Million Drones Next Year

JAKARTA - Ukraine will produce one million drones next year, increasing current production levels, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.

Ukraine is known to have been trying to increase domestic weapons production since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

On the other hand, drones are increasingly playing a central role on the battlefield, proving to be effective in their use, so that both Russia and Ukraine use drones in large numbers to fight.

"Regarding production, we will produce one million drones next year," said President Zelensky at a televised press conference, reported by Reuters, December 20.

"We will make a million. We will do everything to make it happen. I know that's what will happen," continued President Zelensky optimistically.

Government officials previously said Ukraine aims to produce tens of thousands of drones every month by the end of this year. No current drone production figures are available.

It is known that since the start of the war, drone production in Ukraine has increased, with dozens of companies developing and producing various models. Ukraine's military commander says more help is needed.

Nevertheless, President Zelensky acknowledged the challenges, saying government and military teams are working to improve and modernize Soviet-era logistics and other procedures to ensure quick and easy supply of drones to combat units on the battlefield.

President Zelensky also said Ukraine was looking for ways to increase domestic production of artillery ammunition, especially 155 mm shells.

Earlier, a senior Ukrainian Army general told Reuters this week that troops on the front lines of the fighting were experiencing a shortage of artillery shells.