Ukraine Localizes Over Half of Deep Strike Drone Production

Ukraine has expanded production of Deep Strike drones 22-fold since 2022, according to Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin.

Speaking at the “Ukrainian Weapons 2024” briefing attended by Militarnyi, Smetanin reported that output increased elevenfold in 2023 and doubled again in 2024.

Deep Strike drones are long-range systems designed to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.

Ukraine’s current arsenal includes the Lyuty and Bober drones, as well as the Peklo and Palyanytsia drone-missiles.

Additional systems remain classified.

Ukraine’s defense-industrial base has now localized more than 50% of components used in Deep Strike drones.

“The share of components supplied by both state-owned and private manufacturers is growing each month,” said Smetanin. However, full localization remains out of reach for now.

In 2024, these drones were employed extensively against critical Russian infrastructure.

Strikes, in particular, targeted oil refineries and depots that supply fuel to Russia’s armed forces and contribute to its wartime revenue, as well as facilities involved in military production.

The success of Ukraine’s Deep Strike systems has drawn international attention. The US recently selected four companies for the Artemis long-range kamikaze drone program. Two of the selected firms are working in partnership with Ukrainian manufacturers.

Under the program, the drones must be ground-launched, capable of operating at ranges between 50 and 300 kilometers, able to fly at low altitudes with agility, and designed to carry a variety of payloads.