Ukraine Capable of Producing 4 Million Drones Annually, Set to Manufacture Switchblade 600 Soon.

During the opening of the second International Defense Industries Forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is now capable of producing up to 4 million drones annually. Over 1.5 million contracts have already been signed for the production of these systems, marking a major shift in the country’s defense capabilities. This announcement comes as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its industrial autonomy in defense while addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing war with Russia. Zelensky also noted that domestic artillery ammunition production had significantly increased, reaching a level 25 times higher than the previous year during the first half of 2024.
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This enhanced drone production capacity, particularly with the development of the long-range "Palyanytsia" missile-drone, represents a new phase in Ukraine's military arsenal. (Picture source: United 24)

This enhanced drone production capacity, particularly with the development of the long-range "Palyanytsia" missile drone, represents a new phase in Ukraine's military arsenal. This missile, along with other types of long-range drones and missiles, is already being used by defense forces. Additionally, marine drones play a key role in protecting Ukraine’s coasts, while a new ballistic missile successfully completed flight tests, further strengthening the country’s strategic capabilities. Zelensky also highlighted the successes of the Neptune missile, which has proven effective in national defense.

In parallel, cooperation between Ukraine and international companies is intensifying. The American company AeroVironment has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian firm for the localized production of the Switchblade 600, a loitering munition already used by the Ukrainian military. This project involves phased cooperation, starting with the shipment of subsystem components, followed by increased localization of production within Ukraine. This initiative, which still requires U.S. government approval, could result in the production of several thousand drones per year.

Originally designed for guerrilla operations by U.S. special forces, the Switchblade 600 has found a new role in Ukraine, where it is used to destroy high-value Russian air defense systems, such as Pantsir and S-300, instead of mobile targets like tanks (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Switchblade 600 is a loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone, developed by AeroVironment. It is an upgraded version of the Switchblade 300, fitted with an anti-armor warhead based on the Javelin missile, designed to neutralize tanks and heavy armored vehicles. The Switchblade 600 stands out with its reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capabilities at long range, with over 40 minutes of flight endurance and a 40-kilometer operational range. It can be quickly launched from a portable tube and controlled via a touchscreen tablet-based guidance system, providing flexible use without the need for external ISR infrastructure. Its payload, combined with electro-optical and infrared sensors, enables precise strikes on armored targets at long distances.

Originally designed for guerrilla operations by U.S. special forces, the Switchblade 600 has found a new role in Ukraine, where it is used to destroy high-value Russian air defense systems, such as Pantsir and S-300, instead of mobile targets like tanks. This adaptation highlights the Ukrainian military's ability to repurpose foreign military technologies to meet the realities of the battlefield against Russia.

In addition to this collaboration, AeroVironment is working to simplify the Switchblade 600's operation for Ukrainian forces, with a focus on operator training. Currently, this training takes place outside Ukraine, mainly in Poland, due to U.S. policy restrictions. However, discussions are underway to allow American instructors to travel to Ukraine to facilitate on-site training, which could enhance the effectiveness of drone use by the Ukrainian military.

With this dramatic increase in the production of ammunition and drones, Ukraine is not only strengthening its military capabilities but also positioning itself for long-term resilience against Russian aggression. By developing international partnerships and boosting domestic production, the country is preparing to address the growing challenges of modern warfare while ensuring greater independence in its defense efforts.