Ukrainian drone forces expect a major shift in 2026, with nearly all long-range UAV systems already produced domestically, according to NV. A commander from the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces said Ukraine is scaling production and currently has no supply issues.
95% of long-range drones now Ukrainian-made
Ukrainian companies are actively ramping up the production of long-range unmanned aerial systems. In an interview with NV, the commander of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces, identified by the call sign Charlie, said the impact of this scale-up will become visible in 2026.
“I won’t name the specific models or brands we use in our unit,” Charlie said. “But I’ll tell you frankly — 95% of all long-range systems we operate are Ukrainian, domestically made.”
He noted there was a time when foreign-supplied drones were tested in the unit. These came from Ukraine’s partner countries and were part of trials to assess various platforms developed abroad. However, the response from allies to flaws or performance issues in those UAVs was, in his words, “not always what we would have hoped for.”
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Eventually, Ukrainian producers began focusing on the strategic need for long-range drone systems. Charlie says that shift has paid off. His center, which plays a critical role in frontline drone operations, now experiences no shortages in drone supply.
“There’s always a desire to have more tools,” Charlie said. “But for the tasks and challenges currently facing our unit, we’re covering everything with the drones we have.”
