Pentagon chief praises Ukraine's long-range drones
Photo: Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense (Getty Images)
Ukraine's long-range drones are effective and precise weapons. Another advantage is their low cost compared to missiles, stated US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
He noted that Ukraine is using its long-range drones with great success to conduct strikes. In particular, Ukrainian defenders recently managed to attack strategic-level ammunition supply points, which has affected the battlefield.
Austin emphasized that Ukraine can produce such drones independently and can also quickly scale up production.
"The UAVs have proven to be very effective and accurate. When you consider the fact that one precision-guided missile costs in some cases close to 1 million dollars, these UAVs they can produce in great numbers at a fraction of the cost. You look at a balance and the effect that is being created on the batterfield, and this is a great capability," Austin said.
Austin also emphasized that it's up to Ukraine how to use such potential.
Ban on strikes deep into Russia
The US, Britain, and France supply Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking targets several hundred kilometers away.
However, Ukrainian defenders are restricted in their use of such weapons - they cannot employ them for strikes deep into Russia. Kyiv is actively discussing the lifting of these restrictions with London, Paris, and Washington.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a victory plan that includes allowing strikes into Russia using Western weapons. However, for now, the allies have not lifted these restrictions.
