Russia plans millions of FPV drones this year - How Ukraine will respond
Illustrative photo: Russia plans to produce 7 million FPV drones this year (Getty Images)
In 2026, Russia plans to produce three million more FPV drones than last year. Ukraine’s response consists of three key elements, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Russia plans to produce more than 7 million FPV drones in 2026 — 3 million more than last year," the statement said.
The General Staff said Ukraine’s response will include large-scale battlefield automation, advanced technologies, and strong partnerships.
"We thank Germany and Sweden for establishing the Electronic Warfare Coalition. We continue to adapt our defense by replacing personnel with unmanned ground systems, with production volumes reaching tens of thousands of units per year," the statement said.
Ukraine’s long-range capabilities
Ukraine’s Defense Forces currently maintain an advantage in the use of strike drones, with the ratio on the battlefield standing at 1.3 to 1 in Ukraine’s favor.
Recently, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russia plans to expand its unmanned systems forces to 101,000 personnel. In this way, it aims to influence the course of the fighting, particularly in southern directions where it is losing initiative and territory.
It is also noted that this year, the United Kingdom will deliver at least 120,000 drones to Ukraine. This will be the largest drone package the country has provided since the start of the full-scale war.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Ukrainian forces managed to take control of an enemy position using drones and ground robotic systems, without the involvement of infantry.
