In a bid to defend against Russian forces and protect their own soldiers and civilians, Ukraine is ambitiously assembling a fleet of inexpensive, unmanned drones designed to target enemy troops, as reported by Ziare.
War is Mathematics
Spread across a network of laboratories housed in hundreds of secret workshops throughout the country, these drones are being built at a fraction of the cost of imported models—approximately $35,000 each.
An estimated 250 defense enterprises across Ukraine are constructing these lethal machines in clandestine locations that often resemble rural car repair shops. Startups like UkrPrototyp, led by entrepreneur Andrii Denisenko, can assemble unmanned ground vehicles like the Odyssey in just four days within a warehouse setting.
"We are fighting against a giant country, and they have unlimited resources. We understand that we cannot afford to lose many human lives," stated Denisenko.
"War is mathematics," he added, emphasizing the strategic advantage these drones could offer.
Assemble Drones at Home
The 800 kg Odyssey prototype can travel up to 30 km on a single charge of a battery the size of a small beer cooler. Initially designed as a rescue and supply drone, it can be adapted to carry a remotely operated heavy machine gun or deploy demining charges.
Ukraine's fourth military branch—the unmanned systems forces—joined the army, navy, and air force in May, marking a significant step in modern warfare. According to a government fundraising page launched alongside the unmanned systems forces, these robot crews will serve as logistics units, towing trucks, miners, sappers, and even self-destructing robots.
Mikhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister for Digital Transformation, is encouraging citizens to take free online courses and assemble aerial drones at home. His goal is for Ukrainians to produce one million flying devices annually.
Meanwhile, international human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch have raised concerns over weapons that operate without human decision-making, calling for their prohibition.
