Ukrainian Minister of Digital Technologies Mykhailo Fedorov said this in an interview with the German publication Welt, Ukrinform reported.

In particular, he said that Ukraine has completed the first important step in the application of artificial intelligence in unmanned aerial vehicles. It is about the promotion of companies that develop systems that can capture the target and direct drones to the target. “Currently, this technology is in the testing phase. Technologically, I do not see any problems with it. It can be solved quickly. The next step is drone communication. Drones form swarms to attack enemy vehicles. But to accomplish this task, it is first necessary to solve the previous tasks: radio frequency planning, target instruction etc.” Fedorov expressed his hope that the first prototypes could appear on the battlefield by the end of the year. although not in large numbers.

In general, drones are already partially replacing artillery. Compared to last year, Ukraine increased its production of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles tenfold. Most drones in use have a range of 700 to 1,000 kilometers.

“But now there are models that can fly more than 1000 kilometers,” Fedorov said. He noted that there are plans to go beyond the goal of producing one million drones. This applies to different types of drones: FPV, reconnaissance, transport, combat, kamikaze, sea and land, etc. Land platforms are also being actively purchased at the moment.

Fedorov also noted that work on the development of special antennas used for electronic warfare equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles is actively continuing.

“To improve the performance of our UAVs, we must establish our own electronic warfare system and counter the enemy’s electronic interception measures. This includes clear technical tasks for manufacturers, constant control of deployment on the battlefield and rapid logistics. “Technological warfare generally accelerates development and requires a rapid response,” he said.

He also touched upon the Starlink issue. The Russians have begun to use this system, but this is not a mass phenomenon and the Ukrainian side “found a solution to the problem.”

“Ukraine will continue to use Starlink, and the Russians will use Starlink as limited as possible. All necessary decisions have already been taken. Fedorov said, “We will see the result in the near future.” He said that he is in contact with Elon Musk when necessary, and that the teams cooperate effectively at the operational level. He noted that deliveries from Starlink are stable, our partners are also helping us; SpaceX responds quickly to any problems.

“Is Elon Musk on Ukraine’s side?” To the question Fedorov said: “I believe it.”

In general, according to the minister, it is quite clear that the situation on the battlefield and the outcome of this war depend on the development of technologies.

As reported by Ukrinform, with the financial support of investors, it can produce 2 million drones a year, twice as many as now.

Photo: Ministry of Digital