Joe Biden's administration has revealed details of a secret program to support drone production in Ukraine, which has had a significant impact on the war against Russia.
This was reported by The New York Times.
It is known that the United States has invested more than $1.5 billion in the development of Ukrainian drone production. These funds were used to support manufacturers, purchase parts and consult the Ukrainian military with American intelligence experts. In 2023, an additional $800 million was allocated for drones, and in September, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House, Joe Biden announced another $1.5 billion for the drone program.
"We have seen how drones have become increasingly important in the war in Ukraine and will play a central role in all future conflicts," said Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor.
The assistance to Ukraine included ideas for new technological solutions that helped create advanced drones that could change the rules of warfare. According to Sullivan, Ukraine began using drones on a large scale during the counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, but after the heavier offensive in 2023, U.S. support increased significantly.
U.S. officials say Ukrainian naval drones hit about a quarter of the ships in Russia's Black Sea Fleet, and drones on the land fronts slowed the advance of enemy troops.
According to CIA Director William Burns, U.S. support has been multifaceted.
"Assistance to Ukraine is not only about sharing intelligence, but also about helping to build effective systems," he said.
Washington emphasizes that the experience gained in the development of Ukrainian drone production has already been integrated into the US defense industry.
Author: Danylo Pievchev