Putin in Peril: How Ukraine Has Ramped Up Ability for Military to Strike Deep in Russian Territory

Ukraine is planning to ramp up production of long-range attack drones in 2024 for conducting deep strikes into Russian territories.

The Deputy Prime Minister attributed the recent success of drone strikes on oil and energy facilities deep inside Vladimir Putin's domain to increased funding and the deregulation of the drone market.

According to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the government currently has up to 10 companies manufacturing long-range attack drones capable of reaching Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In an interview with Reuters, Fedorov mentioned the emergence of a new category of long-range kamikaze drones with ranges spanning from 300 to 1,000 kilometers, noting that such a category didn't exist just two years ago.

Fedorov highlighted the measures taken by the government to support the drone industry, including tax exemptions on UAV components, simplification of contracting procedures and streamlining the decommissioning process. He emphasized that these actions were aimed at addressing obstacles faced by private sector companies.

The impact of these initiatives is already evident on the battlefield, with Fedorov citing a significant increase in drone deliveries in December compared to the entire year of 2022. He noted that the logistics infrastructure was caught off guard by the surge in volume.

Regarding funding, Fedorov disclosed that the Ukrainian government allocated approximately $2.5 million in grants to the private drone sector in 2023, with plans to increase this amount tenfold in 2024, indicating a strong commitment to further bolstering the industry.

Ukraine had previously encountered challenges in the drone sector, relying on modified hobby drones against Russia's mass-produced attack drones.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces found themselves outnumbered by Russian drones, which were reportedly sourced from China and retrofitted for military purposes in state-run factories.

Frontline drone operators expressed concerns about the efficacy of crowd-sourced solutions for counteroffensive measures, noting the necessity for state-led initiatives. Diego Rodriguez, a frontline drone operator, emphasized the need for mass deployment of attack drones, a feat only achievable by the state.

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In December 2023, the Ukrainian President announced plans to manufacture one million drones for military use in 2024. The Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, indicated that a significant portion of these drones would be first-person view (FPV) drones, with thousands designated for mid-range and long-range strikes.

Ukraine aims to achieve technological parity with Russia in drone production, with Fedorov stressing the importance of an anti-bureaucratic approach to foster technological advancements. Efforts are underway to localize the production of drone components to reduce dependence on imports.

The government is also focusing on training drone operators, with over 20,000 individuals trained since the inception of a grant program for military training in private schools. Plans are underway to expand this program and enhance training facilities.