Russia plans to spend $12 billion on jet-powered drones, loitering munitions next year, Zelensky says
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained Russian internal documents showing the volumes of weapons Russia is preparing to produce next year and the funding allocated for them.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 26 that Russia plans to allocate $12 billion next year for the production of jet-powered drones and loitering munitions, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Zelensky shared this information during his evening address, citing Russian internal documents obtained by Ukrainian intelligence.
Recent months have seen an increase in Russia's use of jet-powered drones in attacks on Ukrainian cities, with these drones accounting for about two-thirds of all drones launched in some attacks on Kyiv.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is increasing the production of interceptor drones to counter the growing use of jet-powered drones by Russia. Some interceptor prototypes are already being tested in combat, with several identified as potential primary means of defense against these weapons. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is scaling up production and components, promising a response to Russia's escalating drone attacks.
Despite renewed international efforts to secure a ceasefire, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine in recent days. U.S. President Donald Trump called for an end to the war during his address to the U.N. General Assembly on September 22, while Zelensky mentioned the possibility of accepting a ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure if Russia agrees to the same terms. Zelensky noted that Russia's planned spending on attack drones suggests Moscow is not preparing to halt the war at least for now.
Ukraine's current interception rate of about 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed-type drones is improving, with Ukraine aiming to reach the level achieved against conventional Shahed drones, which is above 90%. Ukraine has signed 11 drone deals so far, with the 11th signed with Finland this week during the U.N. General Assembly. Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine is preparing a 12th agreement, which is expected to be signed with another country in the coming weeks.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
