Russia has developed a new generation of drones that are impossible to jam, and Ukraine warns that it risks losing the technological race despite efforts for internal production.
Sky News had exclusive access to a drone factory in Ukraine, where the ingenuity of local start-ups has turned this technology into the most efficient weapon against Russian invaders.
However, Kyiv warns that it is losing the drone race, while Russia is advancing rapidly.
Ukraine Calls for Urgent Support from the West
The danger is not only concerning Ukraine, as drones are becoming the preferred weapon in future conflicts.
General Cherry, a company launched by volunteers at the beginning of the war, was producing 100 units per month, but now they manufacture a thousand times more. "The Russians have many soldiers, many vehicles, and ours daily demand more weapons, better, faster, more efficient," explains Andrii Lavrenovych, the company's leader.
The statement also echoes President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent message: "The Russians have increased the number of drones, and due to lack of funding, we have not yet been able to expand."
The visited factory has a secret location, frequently changed to avoid Russian attacks.
In an apparently ordinary building, Sky News saw thousands of drones assembled manually, customized, and tested. Some quadcopters (drones with 4 propellers) carry explosives, while others fly at 6 kilometers altitude to shoot down Russian reconnaissance drones.
A Ukrainian drone worth $1,000 can neutralize an enemy aircraft 300 times more expensive.
Russia Scores in Volume and Innovation
However, Russia is gaining ground. A propaganda film recently showed hundreds of Geranium attack drones ready for launch.
Moscow has perfected the Iranian Shahed technology, turning it into faster and deadlier versions that cause massive destruction. Ukraine expects to be attacked with up to 1,000 such drones per night in the coming months.
The Russians are winning through volume and innovation, developing even fiber-optic guided drones that are impossible to jam.
Oleksandr "Drakar," the head of the Ukrainian innovation department, showcased their own prototype but admitted: "The Russians started earlier and increased production. They received considerable help from China - entire factories there exclusively produce fiber for Russia."
Although Beijing claims neutrality, Chinese companies also limit Ukraine's access to essential microchips and other components.
Kyiv accuses the West of not doing enough to counter this threat.
War is becoming a technological innovation race, where 80% of battlefield strikes are already carried out by drones.
This conflict turns war into a sci-fi battle of machines. Whoever dominates this battle stands a chance to lead in future wars. To be on the winning side, the West must firmly support Ukraine and its drone industry, as concluded by Sky News reporters.