Russia ramps up drone production, aiming for 1,000 daily strikes on Ukraine
Photo: Russia is ramping up production of Shahed drones (Getty Images)
Russia has allocated resources to increase drone production. The Kremlin’s overall goal is to launch 1,000 drone strikes against Ukraine per day, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Russia is scaling back missile production and redirecting funds toward increasing drone production. Why? Today, Russian attacks against Ukraine involve 350–500 drones per day. Russia plans to reach 600–800 drones in 2026, but their overall target is 1,000 drones per day," Zelenskyy emphasizes.
He notes that at least 2,000–3,000 interceptors are needed to shoot down such a number of Russian drones. At the same time, the President of Ukraine notes that the cost of an interceptor drone is only $3,000–$5,000.
"In other words, about $10,000 is spent to intercept one Shahed, while a Patriot missile costs $4 million. Ukraine spends about $10,000 to shoot down a drone, while a Middle Eastern country spends $4 million. This is the experience we are offering," he notes.
Intercepting Iranian drones issues
Last week, Israel informed the US that the country was facing a critical shortage of ballistic missile interceptors amid the ongoing war with Iran.
On Saturday, Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had allegedly sent a request to Ukraine to hold talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The request came against the backdrop of Ukraine’s extensive experience in intercepting Iranian drones.
In addition, last week, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian experts on Shahed drones would be working in the Middle East.
Earlier, the President of Ukraine noted that experts, along with interceptor drones, had been sent to protect US bases in Jordan. He emphasized that he was ready to assist Middle Eastern countries in exchange for diplomatic support aimed at persuading Russia to make peace.
