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Ukraine Collaborates With Private Sector and Banks to Scale Drone Interceptor Program
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
The Ukrainian government is progressing in the development of drone interceptors, with three manufacturers securing state contracts yesterday. In total, four contracts worth over 71 million dollars have been awarded, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal stated in his Telegram channel on July 23.
Following country’s commitment to ensure that frontline Ukrainian forces are well-equipped with drones, Shmyhal together with First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, met with the Brave1 team, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, drone manufacturers, and major volunteer foundations of Ukraine, in order to further scaling these technologies.
The focus of the meeting was to ensure that frontline Ukrainian forces are well-equipped with drones.
A key topic of discussion was drone interceptors capable of countering Russian Shahed drones. The President has tasked the government with advancing this area.
Shmyhal confirmed that four government contracts have already been signed with manufacturers. This week, talks were also held with large state banks about financing manufacturers under state guarantees.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defense is negotiating with international partners for funding to acquire more interceptors. Initial agreements have already been reached.
Shmyhal concluded: “We are consolidating efforts for the sake of security and a peaceful future.”
Earlier, Ukraine’s new Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, announced plans to raise the share of domestically produced weapons on the frontline to 50%, up from the current 35%.
