Pentagon enlists Ukrainian drone expertise to boost U.S. arsenal
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon has sought Ukraine's support regarding drone technology. Insights gained from the military, which has extensive experience in using and countering unmanned aerial vehicles, and from Ukrainian companies producing various types of drones, are expected to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. military.
Ukraine is currently a world leader in drone production. Since the start of the Russian invasion, it has made significant progress in this field and has greatly increased its production scale. In February, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that over four million drones of various types are expected to be produced by Ukrainian companies this year.
The U.S. is impressed by Ukrainian drones
"No US company is keeping up with Ukraine ... You know their stuff works. They've got the ultimate high-stakes laboratory meant to battle-proof all this stuff," said Nathan Mintz, co-founder of the California startup CX2, which has already teamed up with Ukrainian manufacturers, as quoted by The Wall Street Journal.
Although substantial funds have been invested in drone development, American start-ups face significant difficulties producing affordable yet effective unmanned aerial vehicles suitable for the military. Ukraine specialises in this field.
According to the publication, the Pentagon has shown "great interest in integrating Ukrainian drone technology with U.S. forces" and wants to accelerate cooperation between American and Ukrainian companies.
Some results are already visible, as the U.S. Department of Defense recently awarded contracts to two American-Ukrainian partnerships. These involved testing assault drones, which have the potential to be incorporated into the U.S. military eventually. This likely includes Skyfall drones with a range of approximately 40-55 kilometres, which have reportedly carried out around 1.5 million combat missions during the war in Ukraine. The Americans would add their software and sensors, while retaining the main construction framework and Ukrainian warheads (weighing about 5 kg).
Ukrainian long-range drones
Although Ukrainians primarily rely on the cheapest FPV (first person view) drones, the more advanced designs attract the attention of the world's major powers. Not only Skyfall but also long-range drones capable of striking targets hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away.
Ukrainians have also developed Rubaka and Bóbr drones, which have ranges of about 500 and 1,000 kilometres, respectively, and a mysterious drone with a range of over 2,000 kilometres. This drone can carry bombs weighing up to 250 kg. Vadym Sucharevskyi, the Commander of the Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, confirmed its existence.
The U.S. is not the first country interested in Ukrainian drones. A delegation from South Korea previously requested assistance from Kyiv.
