Kyiv has rapidly developed a formidable arsenal of indigenously manufactured drones in response to Russia’s invasion, allowing it to inflict heavy damage on Moscow.
For those whose attention has stayed fixed on the Ukraine War despite the rise of tensions in the Middle East or the controversies surrounding the new Trump administration, one of the more glaring developments has been Ukraine’s increased dependence on drone warfare. Indeed, Kyiv’s drone arsenal has become fundamental to the country’s military strategy. Over the last two years, Ukraine’s drone industry has transformed the battlefield, leveraging unmanned aerial systems (UAS, or drones) across various roles—from reconnaissance and artillery spotting to long-range strikes. What began in 2022 as an improvisational use of commercial drone products has evolved into a domestically produced, innovative, and rapidly expanding drone program.
The Origins of Ukraine’s Drone Capabilities
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv’s drone capabilities were humble. Ukraine had purchased some Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey, a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS that had shown effectiveness in previous conflicts. The TB2s had modest abilities but still proved capable, providing early morale boosts after conducting high-profile strikes against Russian armor and supply convoys.
Russia adapted, however, and the TB2 became more vulnerable. In response, the Ukrainians adapted in turn, shifting towards smaller, cheaper, and more expandable drone platforms. The DJI Mavic, a civilian quadcopter that the Ukrainians repurposed for frontline use, underwent modifications to drop grenades or serve as a reconnaissance platform for artillery units further behind the front lines. The quadcopter enabled highly mobile and decentralized operations, proving incredibly valuable in the trenches and urban combat that defined the conflict.
Ukraine Is Ramping up Drone Production
While Ukraine relied upon imports like the TB2 or civilian products like the DJI Mavic early in the conflict, the country quickly developed a homegrown drone manufacturing base. After recognizing the value of drones in military operations, Ukraine initiated a program known as the “Army of Drones” in 2022. The program aimed to domesticate drone production, accelerate innovation, and reduce Ukraine’s dependency on foreign suppliers.
The program has been successful. Drone startups and tech firms have emerged; companies like Ukrspecsystems, AeroDrone, Skyeton, and Escadrone are developing drones of increasing sophistication, including fixed-wing drones and kamikaze drones capable of conducting deep-strike missions behind Russian lines. The emergence of such technology has led to shifts in Ukraine’s war-fighting strategy; drones have been used to target Russian energy and military structures well behind the front lines. Drones like the UJ-22 Airborne and the RAM II have proven capable of bypassing Russian air defenses, offering a low-cost alternative to long-range missiles.
Drones now play a vital role in nearly every aspect of Ukraine’s military operations. Tactical drones provide real-time intelligence and targeting information, operational drones conduct strikes against supply depots and command posts, and strategic drones extend Ukraine’s reach well into Russian territory. The asymmetric advantage that the drones confer has helped offset the disadvantages that have beleaguered Ukraine since the beginning of the war, namely shortages in manpower and traditional heavy weaponry. The affordability of drones makes them an ideal tool for a country fighting a war of attrition against a larger, more well-stocked adversary—a fact that war planners around the globe are no doubt documenting for future reference.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Region: Europe
Topic: Security
Tags: Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Drones, Ukraine War, Eastern Europe
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
