Russia Plans $12 Billion for Jet-Powered Drones and Loitering Munitions in 2027, Zelensky Says
Russia is planning to allocate around $12 billion next year for the production of jet-powered drones and loitering munitions, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who cited documents obtained by Ukrainian military intelligence.
The reported spending comes as Russia has increased its use of faster, jet-powered Shahed-type drones in attacks across Ukraine. According to Zelensky, these drones have accounted for a significant share of recent Russian launches, including around two-thirds of drones used in some attacks on Kyiv.
Ukraine says it is responding by expanding production of interceptor drones designed specifically to counter the faster systems. Zelensky said several prototypes have already been tested in combat.
He also claimed that Ukraine intercepted about 55% of Russia’s jet-powered Shahed-type drones, while more than 2,730 jet-powered Shaheds were launched in September. Kyiv aims to eventually raise the interception rate to levels achieved against conventional Shahed drones.
The figures regarding Russia’s planned spending and production are Ukrainian claims based on intelligence documents and have not been independently verified.
Source: The Kyiv Independent