Key military stakeholders attended the event, including representatives from the General Staff, the Command of the Unmanned Systems Forces, and the Command of Logistics Forces, alongside government procurement officials and units from the National Guard and the 92nd Mechanised Brigade. Eight Ukrainian development teams showcased their drone prototypes in six test flights, with each team tasked to complete a 10-kilometre flight at an altitude exceeding 250 metres and to locate a designated target.
Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, expressed gratitude for the achievements of Ukrainian developers, highlighting the drones as affordable, functional, and easy to operate. Smetanin noted the importance of domestic production, citing both economic benefits and a reduced dependency on foreign supplies, which collectively bolster national security and economic stability.
Among the showcased drones were the first two coded Ukrainian drones in the “Mavik” category, named “Shmavik” and “PTAKH-S.” Deputy Minister Anna Hvozdiar emphasised that localising production is a crucial security measure, ensuring that Ukrainian defence technology is tailored to specific military needs and independent of external influences.
Military and procurement officials assessed the drones’ field capabilities and engaged in direct discussions with the developers about product specifications and production potential. This interaction provided manufacturers with valuable feedback from end-users, helping align future innovations with the operational demands of Ukraine’s defence forces.
Source: Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine.
