Ulrike Franke
Drones have become a central weapon of the Russo-Ukrainian war, with the number of uncrewed systems—mostly airborne but not exclusively—reaching astonishing levels. In early 2024, Ukraine aimed to produce one million drones within the year. In March, that goal was revised to two million, and in October, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced the country was now capable of manufacturing up to four million drones annually. Russia is reportedly matching this pace of production. It is estimated that about 100 different types of drones are in use in Ukraine, ranging from toy-sized systems to larger models with wingspans of almost 20 meters.
Intelligence gathering and strike operations, as well as target support for other military systems, are crucial functions of drones. But they also play diverse roles, such as serving as decoys (to mislead or deplete enemy air defences), acting as relays for signals, transporting equipment, and laying mines. Both Ukraine and Russia build these systems themselves, acquire them from allies, or use modified civilian drones.
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