Moscow: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu highlighted a significant uptick in the country’s military drone production over the past year, acknowledging persistent technical challenges that demand attention.
In footage released by the Ministry of Defence on Saturday, Shoigu emphasized the strides made in bolstering Russia’s drone capabilities, albeit acknowledging ongoing hurdles. Notably, Russia’s reliance on Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones has been a recurring feature during its nearly two-year military engagement in Ukraine.
“Our current production capacities empower us to effectively tackle the tasks at hand,” remarked Shoigu during his inspection of drone production facilities in Udmurtia, situated within the Volga river region.
Addressing officials during the tour, Shoigu underscored the importance of resolving issues pertaining to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drones and enhancing electronic warfare capabilities.
Recent signals from Moscow indicate a heightened pace in the production within its military-industrial complex, reflecting Russia’s determination to break the military stalemate in Ukraine.
Ukrainian military leaders view drones as indispensable tools for gaining strategic advantage in the conflict. Meanwhile, analysts highlight the widespread deployment of drones by both sides, complicating ground operations and impeding significant territorial advances.