This week, the scope of China’s ban on the USA became clear. Exports of some critical minerals were apparently vetoed, but the scope later turned out to be much broader; this includes transshipment to the United States or direct export of key components for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles to any country. The conclusion seemed to be “sold” in the Ukrainian note: it was supposed to stimulate national production, and it was called Hell.

Made in Ukraine. His presentation at “Society” took place on Armed Forces Day, when Ukraine presented a hybrid weapon they called Peklo (“Hell” or “hell”), a type of missile-drone. This locally designed and manufactured missile promises to revolutionize its arsenal with a range of 700 kilometres, more than twice the range of the popular US-supplied ATACMS tactical missiles (about 300 km) and the Kingdom’s Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG. United and French cruise missiles (about 250 km).

This advance marks a turning point in Ukraine’s ability to attack key targets on Russian territory, such as airfields and ammunition depots, without relying solely on Western weapons. But there is so much more.

Features of the new missile unmanned aerial vehicle. The device being built is the latest in a series of innovations in Ukraine’s arsenal, which include long-range unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles such as Palianytsia, another recently tested hybrid. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has prioritized strengthening its national defense industry, producing advanced weapons that complement or exceed Western ammunition to achieve technological and strategic independence.

Inferno, as we said, combines unmanned aerial vehicle and missile features with small wings and two types of tail fins that indicate a cruise missile-like use. Can reach speeds According to the Ukrainian Strategic Communications Center, these missiles, which can reach speeds of 700 kilometers per hour, have already been tested in combat at least five times. Although additional technical details have not been announced yet, it appears that mass production capacity has already begun. According to Zelenskyy, the Inferno will be vital in equipping defenders with modern Ukrainian technology, consolidating their ability to conduct deep and strategic strikes, and expanding the production and deployment of these weapons.

Developments and progress. The fact is that long-range unmanned aerial vehicles have become a pillar of Ukrainian strategy, allowing to achieve important targets such as air bases, ammunition depots and logistics centers in Russia. In this context, the country announced that in addition to Hell, it will produce more than 30,000 advanced DeepStrike drones for next year.

However, analysts warn that although effective, drones alone cannot solve the conflict’s structural problems, such as troop shortages, lack of training, and command and control challenges. It also appears that Ukraine is accelerating its ballistic and cruise missile programs. The Neptune missile demonstrated its effectiveness by sinking Russia’s flagship Moskva in 2022, and as we said, it seems that large-scale production of Palianytsia will be carried out. In fact, according to Zelensky, Ukraine produced 100 long-range missiles last year and plans to continue expanding these capabilities.

Geopolitical context and challenges. That’s what we’ve been saying these weeks. The international landscape adds great uncertainty to Ukraine’s efforts. With the recent election of Donald Trump as US president, who has promised to “end the war within 24 hours”, nothing is clear and there are fears that US military aid so far required will be greatly reduced. .

Europe, too, faces its own arms limitations and may have difficulty making up for this shortfall. Additionally, pressure from countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, as well as controversial figures such as Romania’s Calin Georgescu, for a quick resolution to the conflict could reduce support for Ukraine.

International funds and expansion. Whatever happens, despite all these uncertainties, it is a fact that Ukraine receives serious financial support for its defense industry. The European Union allocated $440 million from frozen Russian assets, while the United States allocated $800 million (and more) to the development of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.

Even so, Ukraine’s production capacity, which can reach between $10 and $20 billion annually, still depends on a more robust initial investment estimated at $4 billion.

It’s a race against time. The Washington Post reported that although Ukraine could produce nearly 2 million drones by 2024 and double that figure if it receives enough funding, technological advances have failed to stop Russia’s fastest advance since the start of the war. This underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovations with advances in human resources and military strategy.

With uncertain allies and a persistent enemy, the country appears to be racing against time to consolidate an independent defense industry that could guarantee its long-term security. As Yehor Cherniev, leader of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, explained these days: “With an aggressive neighbor next to us, we must be prepared for any scenario.” In Ukraine” symbolizes not only technological progress, but also an important step towards the country’s military independence.

Image | President of Ukraine

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