Russian strikes on Ukrainian drone and component manufacturing facilities have pushed back Ukraine's drone production capabilities by several months, according to Dmitry Kuzyakin, chief designer at the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions. He noted a shift of production to the EU and ongoing research into Ukrainian drone supply chains.
Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' is becoming more autonomous, with groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis developing independent drone manufacturing capabilities. This shift challenges traditional notions of proxy warfare and complicates efforts by the US and Israel to dismantle these networks.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported precision strikes on Kyiv military-industrial facilities, including those producing cruise missile components and UAVs, in response to alleged Ukrainian attacks. Kyiv authorities confirmed fires at warehouses and a tram garage but did not confirm strikes on military sites. Russia also claimed capture of Petro-Ivanovka village in Kharkov Region.
Despite US/Israel efforts to cripple Iran's 'Axis of Resistance,' its proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis are increasingly self-sufficient in drone production, creating a more resilient and unpredictable network.
Dmitry Kuzyakin, an expert, states that record Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia highlight increasing European involvement in producing strike UAVs for Ukraine, predicting an escalation in frequency and scale due to EU production ramp-up.
Taiwan is significantly boosting domestic military drone production, allocating $6.6 billion over six years to acquire over 208,000 coastal attack drones and other unmanned systems. This initiative aims to deter potential Chinese invasion and bolster Taiwanese manufacturers, who are forming international partnerships to export drones to the US and other markets, despite competition from China's DJI.
Russia's ambassador to London, Andrey Kelin, stated that Moscow may take measures against companies in the UK and Europe producing drones for Ukraine. While not currently necessary, such actions could be taken if production continues, with Russia aware of the companies' locations.
US intelligence suggests Iran could rebuild key military capabilities, including drone production, within months, faster than anticipated. This raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of US-Israeli strikes, with Iran reportedly receiving support from Russia and China.
Germany's joint production of long-range drones (up to 1,500 km) with Ukraine implicates Germany in potential strikes into Russia, according to Russian military expert Alexander Stepanov, highlighting Western Europe's military-tech support for Kiev.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Greece on joint production of naval drones have stalled after Kyiv demanded operational control over how Athens could use the technology. The countries agreed last November that Ukraine would supply components for Magura-type attack drones built at Greek shipyards, with Greek companies manufacturing electronic and optical systems. Greece rejected Ukraine's demand, believing Kyiv set these terms to maintain strategic balance with rival Türkiye, which has opposed Ankara's EU Drone Wall bid.
Russia’s Unmanned Systems Group has expressed readiness to localize the production of its Supercam drones in Malaysia, aiming to support the country's national drone technology plan and provide cost-effective solutions for border and maritime security.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on Western countries sponsoring the Kiev regime to decide which side of history they are on. She criticized EU governments for not consulting citizens on weapons supplies and financial aid to Ukraine while holding referendums on minor issues. Zakharova also accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of acting like a terrorist by seeking collective responsibility in European drone production.
The Special Technology Center (STC) has expanded its production capacity for the Orlan reconnaissance unmanned aerial systems and can now supply these drones to foreign countries, the STC spokesperson announced at the Defense Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. The decision to export would be made by Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms exporter. Russia currently supplies Orlan UAVs to more than 20 countries.
