Germany Begins Mass Production of 5,000 Long-Range Drones for Ukraine

According to local media reports, Germany has begun mass-producing 5,000 new long-range drones intended for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The aircraft would bolster Ukraine’s ability to strike targets on Russian territory. Reports indicate that the contract involves investment of more than €300 million, with Berlin hoping to fulfil it by the middle of next year.

Germany’s production of 5,000 long-range drones for Ukraine

Handelsblatt reports that the 5,000 drones will be built in the Munich metropolitan area. The Bavarian capital is home to German-American company Auterion, which forged closer links in February this year with Ukrainian counterpart Airlogix to undertake projects of this kind. The joint venture intends to maintain its operations over the long term should it secure further orders, which would make it possible to establish a new production line at an undisclosed site in eastern Germany.

Commenting on the matter, Auterion chief executive Lorenz Meier said: “Germany now has a production line for affordable precision weapons in large quantities. This year, we will deliver proven systems, with costs and production speeds that make it possible to build up large arsenals for deterrence.” Vitaly Kolesnichenko of the Ukrainian company stated: “This partnership achieves what neither company could accomplish alone: our battle-proven missiles, Auterion’s autonomous software and German industrial capabilities.”

Although no further details were provided about the new drones to be manufactured under the contract, it was stressed that they will be fitted with artificial-intelligence systems specifically designed to strengthen defences against potential jamming attempts. This is especially significant given that Russia is developing and deploying new electronic-warfare equipment to counter the effects of Ukrainian unmanned systems. The latest of these is known as Volna Kupol Garant, described by Russian sources as a system capable of disrupting the link to the Starlink satellite network.

German-Ukrainian drone co-production and future agreements

Beyond its impact on the battlefield, drone co-production between German and Ukrainian companies has substantial backing from the governments in Berlin and Kyiv. In April, they agreed to jointly manufacture seven new types of combat drone: six aerial systems and one ground-based system. This co-operation could expand further in the near future, as President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said on his Telegram channel that the details of a new agreement are being finalised, one that “will provide Germany and Ukraine with additional defence capabilities.”

Broadly speaking, in line with the direction outlined by the Ukrainian president at the end of August, the aim is to produce enough drones to triple the number used in attacks against Russia and to intercept those operated by its adversary. In concrete terms, Zelensky set a target of launching 1,000 unmanned systems per day, considerably above the current average of 300 long-range drones; achieving this will require significant co-operation from the country’s Western partners.