The launch of a drone. Photo: 3rd Assault Brigade/Facebook

The administration of US President Joseph Biden has declassified the details of its support for Ukraine in creating a powerful drone industry, which has become an important factor in confronting the Russian army. This was reported by The New York Times.

After Ukraine’s first counter-offensive in autumn 2022, when it became clear that conventional military capabilities were not enough, the United States began to invest heavily in the development of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.

Last autumn, the Pentagon allocated $800 million to purchase components and finance Ukrainian drone manufacturers. In September 2024, during a meeting at the White House, Biden announced an additional $1.5 billion in investments in the sector.

The role of drones in warfare
American intelligence officers participated in the development of Ukraine’s drone programme, which allowed for the creation of a new generation of drones. According to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, these technologies have become “a key element of modern warfare”.

American assistance has contributed to the emergence of more effective and lethal drones, which are recognised by the Pentagon and the CIA. CIA Director William Burns said that these investments “changed the way we fight war” and gave Ukraine the ability to effectively defend itself against the aggressor.

The value of cooperation
The development of the drone industry in Ukraine has not only strengthened the country’s defence capabilities, but also provided the United States with important lessons for integrating these technologies into its own defence industry. Cooperation in this area underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries in countering the threats of the modern world.