Kyiv to allocate $6.2 million to drone interceptor program

 

Kyiv authorities have announced plans to allocate 260 million hryvnias (about $6.2 million) toward a drone interceptor program aimed at defending the capital against escalating Russian drone and missile attacks. According to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s city military administration, the funding will not only go toward purchasing specialized equipment but also toward building an efficient response system capable of repelling aerial threats.

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The capital has experienced a sharp increase in attacks, with hundreds of drones and missiles launched in concentrated night-time assaults damaging several districts. The city aims to mobilize additional funding from sources outside the current budget, although specific figures have not yet been revealed.

A pilot version of the drone interceptor program has already shown promise, successfully neutralizing nearly 550 Russian drones over the past few months. The city’s strategy includes establishing a dedicated center to train drone interceptor operators and forming new mobile defense units in Kyiv and surrounding areas. These steps reflect Ukraine’s urgent efforts to enhance its defensive capabilities amid persistent and deadly aerial bombardments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has emphasized the importance of interceptor drones in repelling large-scale Russian attacks. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, he stressed the success of these technologies and noted that efforts are ongoing to scale up their deployment. In meetings with Dutch, German, and American partners, he specifically highlighted the need for continued investment in air defense infrastructure, including drone interception systems.

The drone interceptor initiative in Kyiv is part of a broader national push for advanced defensive measures. Ukrainian leaders continue to appeal to international allies for support, particularly in strengthening air defense to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The move underscores the shifting nature of modern warfare, where technological innovation is playing a central role in frontline defense.

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