The United States has declassified information about its support for the Ukrainian military drone industry, which plays a key role in Ukraine's fight against Russia. President Joe Biden's administration announced that it has made significant investments that have helped Ukraine launch and expand drone production, which has had a strategic impact on the course of the war, writes "The New York Times".
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that unmanned aerial vehicles are already central to the fighting in Ukraine and will be key to all future conflicts.
In September 2023 The United States has allocated $1.5 billion to develop the Ukrainian drone industry, and the Pentagon has provided $800 million in components and funding for manufacturers. The support has also included sending intelligence officers to Ukraine for consultations, as well as building relationships between American technology companies and Ukrainian manufacturers.
American officials emphasize that the investments have made Ukrainian drones more effective and lethal. Among the successes cited are the destruction of a quarter of the Russian Black Sea Fleet by naval drones, as well as the slowing of Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. Support for the drones began after the first Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2022, when the limitations of Ukraine's traditional military capabilities were established. After a less successful counteroffensive in 2023, U.S. efforts to support Ukraine’s drone industry are accelerating significantly.
In addition to helping Ukraine, U.S. officials are integrating lessons learned into the development of their own defense industry. According to the Biden administration, these investments are invaluable and are changing the way the country prepares for future conflicts. The revelations highlight the role of technology and international cooperation in transforming modern warfare.