The European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, noted that Ukraine has created a unique ecosystem for drone production that allows for quick adaptation to new combat conditions. Thus, developing drone production on its own territory is more advantageous for Ukraine than relocating it to Europe.
According to Kubilius, Ukrainian manufacturers are leaders in this field and can promptly adapt drones when they become less effective. The European Commissioner emphasized the importance of investments in Ukraine for the development of defense production and support of its own production capacities.
'Ukrainians produce very good drones themselves, and I am not sure we can relocate Ukrainian production to Europe and possibly scale it up,' Kubilius reflects.
'Therefore, we need to invest in Ukraine and help Ukrainians create more capacities for the production of drones and other weapons,' he added.
The importance of investments in drone production
Kubilius also noted that the Russians have a strong drone production sector, but investments in Ukrainian production capacities are extremely important. This indicates a shift in the strategy of supporting Ukraine - from supplying finished weapons to investing in its own defense manufacturing sector.
Ukraine needs financial support to develop defense technology manufacturing more than ready-made weapons from Europe, the European Commissioner emphasized.
The comment provided in the text by European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlights the importance of the unique drone production ecosystem in Ukraine and the necessity of investing in the Ukrainian defense sector. The development of drone production on its own territory will allow Ukraine to adapt technologies to military needs more quickly while maintaining competitive advantages.