The Ukrainian government has recently made significant strides in expanding its drone capabilities, as evidenced by two major announcements from official sources.
Bird of Prey Drone System Approved for Combat
On March 26, 2025, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced the approval of the domestically produced Bird of Prey unmanned aviation system for combat operations.
This system, developed based on battlefield experience, is optimized for effectiveness against enemy vehicles and fortified positions. The Bird of Prey drones are equipped with payloads capable of striking heavy equipment such as tanks, armored personnel carriers, and self-propelled artillery, as well as fortified dugouts.
The Defense Ministry stated, “The Bird of Prey has already proven its effectiveness in destroying enemy armored vehicles and fortified firing positions”. This approval aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy to enhance its unmanned warfare capabilities.
Ambitious Drone Procurement Plans for 2025
Earlier this month, on March 10, 2025, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry unveiled plans to significantly increase its drone arsenal. The ministry announced its intention to purchase approximately 4.5 million first-person view (FPV) drones in 2025, more than tripling last year’s procurement.
Hlib Kanevsky, head of the procurement policy department at the ministry, noted that Ukraine had secured over 1.5 million FPV drones last year, with 96% sourced from domestic manufacturers and suppliers. “This year, we expect even greater numbers, as the domestic defense sector is projected to provide around 4.5 million FPV drones in 2025,” Kanevsky stated.
To support this massive procurement initiative, the Defense Ministry has allocated more than $2.6 billion. This substantial investment underscores Ukraine’s commitment to expanding its drone capabilities and reducing dependence on Western support.
Long-term Goals and Strategic Implications
These developments are part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky has set an ambitious target of producing at least 30,000 long-range drones in 2025. This focus on domestic production and procurement of drones reflects Ukraine’s adaptation to the evolving nature of modern warfare, where unmanned systems play an increasingly crucial role.
As the conflict with Russia continues, these advancements in drone technology and production capacity are likely to have significant implications for Ukraine’s military strategy and operational capabilities on the battlefield.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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