Fedorov announces creation of new UAV strike companies

Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology - Minister of Digital Transformation, said this in an interview with Ukrinform. 

"Together with our partners, we have already provided the necessary equipment to the soldiers of the first three UAV strike companies, who have successfully completed the training. Other companies will be equipped in the near future. They will use the drones to carry out reconnaissance and strike missions, including artillery coordination. At the same time, the provided vehicles will allow mobile groups to conduct raids behind enemy lines, deliver cargo and evacuate the wounded," he noted.

In addition, the Deputy emphasized that a revolution is currently taking place in the drone manufacturing market in Ukraine.

"There is a revolution in this market today, which contributes to its active development. There will definitely be significant progress this year. Most of the main problems that hindered the market have been resolved. There is also a budget for sustainable drone manufacturers. It is enough to support them and provide opportunities to maximize production. Of course, there are still some bureaucratic processes that hinder, but we are fighting them," the minister said.

Fedorov reminded that the government has adopted a resolution that fundamentally changes the state's approach to the military business itself. Previously, the profit margin for foreign components was 1%, and 30% for domestic goods and services, which hindered the development of Ukrainian manufacturers and encouraged them to move abroad or manipulate documents. To scale up and increase the level of localization of components, the government raised the profit share to 25%. 

As reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed two laws that simplify the import of drones. They stipulate that temporarily, for the period of martial law, but not longer than until January 1, 2024, operations on the importation of UAVs, optical and collimator sights, night vision sights, thermal imaging binoculars, monoculars and night vision devices into the customs territory of Ukraine are exempt from import duty and value-added tax.