The war poses new challenges on a daily basis. One of the key ones is military technology. Ukraine must be one step ahead of the enemy and protect each of our soldiers. Drones provide such opportunities. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in his speech at a forum dedicated to the anniversary of the Army of Drones project.

The event was held in Kyiv on 25 July with the participation of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshyn and Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko.

According to Denys Shmyhal, the forum brought together Ukrainian UAV manufacturers and provided a platform to discuss and present advanced technologies in this area.

"A year ago, through President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's UNITED24 initiative, we raised more than UAH 4 billion to invest in Ukrainian drone manufacturers. At that time, there were less than a dozen of them. Today, there are more than 40 companies that have contracts with the state, and the production of UAVs has increased tenfold," the Prime Minister stressed.

For its part, the Government has allocated UAH 40 billion this year to invest in Ukrainian drone manufacturers. Denys Shmyhal noted that the Government had removed customs barriers to the import of spare parts and components, raised the share of profits of UAV manufacturers to 25%, and and made a decision that will facilitate the mass production of ammunition for drones.

"The video of Ukrainian drones destroying russian weaponry is the best result and evidence of our joint efforts with Ukrainian manufacturers. I thank everyone who brings our victory closer!" the Prime Minister stressed.