The administration of President Joe Biden has declassified information regarding its assistance to Ukraine in developing its drone military industry, as reported by The New York Times.
It is noted that U.S. officials made significant investments that enabled Ukraine to initiate and expand drone production while battling a larger and better-equipped Russian army. Specifically, it is mentioned that the U.S. invested $1.5 billion in September of last year to boost drone manufacturing in Ukraine.
This aspect of U.S. military support had previously remained "in the shadows."
It is emphasized that the assistance included financial support and the deployment of intelligence personnel to Ukraine for the development of a new generation of drones and revolutionary warfare methods. The United States worked on establishing connections between American tech companies and Ukrainian drone manufacturers, as well as aiding producers in procuring spare parts.
According to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, this support has had a "real strategic impact" on the war:
"We have seen how drones are becoming increasingly important in combat operations in Ukraine and will play a central role in all future battles."
He stated that efforts to utilize drones began after the first Ukrainian counteroffensive in the fall of 2022 and intensified during preparations for Ukraine's second counteroffensive.
According to NYT, citing American officials, U.S. investments have made Ukrainian drones more effective and lethal—they have destroyed a quarter of the Russian Black Sea fleet and helped slow Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine.
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