Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined an ambitious plan for the development of the national unmanned program. According to his statement, over the next two years, the country intends to radically expand the operational radius of its aircraft.
Stages of Long-Range System Development
In an interview with American blogger Lori Lumer, published by RBC-Ukraine, the head of state detailed the modernization schedule. Currently, Ukrainian drones demonstrate the ability to cover a distance of 3,000 kilometers. However, this figure is not the ultimate goal.
Zelensky has set clear benchmarks for the medium-term perspective:
- This year, the introduction of models with a flight range of up to 4,000 kilometers is planned.
- Next year, this figure is expected to rise to the range of 5 to 10 thousand kilometers.
Strategic Importance of the Program
According to the president, the development of the long-range unmanned program has entered a new phase. Earlier, in March 2025, Zelensky officially confirmed the successful testing of an apparatus with a range of 3,000 kilometers. At that time, he emphasized that Ukraine is creating a whole lineup of means designed to ensure the security of the state.
Experts note that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have already significantly changed the geography of the conflict. According to Reuters, modern aircraft are capable of striking targets at a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers from the front line, which opens up new opportunities for conducting military operations.
