President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated on 25/7 that Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on receiving international support, adding that this would help "ensure a stable supply of weapons for Ukrainian soldiers."

"I have directed a meeting of the technology sector, with a focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). A plan has been approved to achieve a daily output of 500-1,000 interceptor drones, which is no easy task. Deadlines have been set, and whether or not the target is met is the personal responsibility of every official involved," he said.

President Zelensky visits a Ukrainian domestic interceptor drone factory on 25/7. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

President Zelensky visits a Ukrainian domestic interceptor drone factory on 25/7. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

The Ukrainian leader also said the country is "signing every contract possible" and seeking funding for all domestic drone manufacturers, regardless of the type of drone. Interceptor drones are designed to down enemy drones, primarily by colliding with them.

Ukrainian forces on the front lines have long used first-person view drones to counter Russian reconnaissance and suicide drones. However, long-range suicide drones like the Geran-2 have much greater speed and altitude than smaller drones, requiring Kyiv to use specialized interceptor drones.

Earlier this month, Zelensky stated that Ukraine's interceptor drones had proven effective in countering Russian suicide drone attacks.

A Ukrainian interceptor drone in a photo posted on 25/7. Photo: Militarnyi

A Ukrainian interceptor drone in a photo posted on 25/7. Photo: Militarnyi

Zelensky has long emphasized drone production and development, a sector that barely existed in Ukraine before the conflict began.

He has recently focused more on using interceptor drones to counter Russia's suicide drones, stating last month that Ukraine's production of these drones has increased.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuri Ignat believes that using interceptor drones will help Kyiv conserve resources when countering Moscow's long-range attacks, rather than relying on anti-aircraft missiles and fighter jets.

Pham Giang (Reuters)