Ukraine Ramps Up FPV Drone Production to 4.5 Million in 2025

Ukraine has intensified its investment in First-Person View (FPV) drones, significantly increasing both production and procurement to enhance its battlefield capabilities against Russian forces.

As Ukraine ramps up FPV drone development, the country has rapidly integrated FPV kamikaze drones and surveillance UAVs into its military strategy, making it one of the world’s largest purchasers of these unmanned systems.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have relied on drone FPV technology to conduct precision strikes, disrupt enemy supply lines, and neutralize Russian military assets, proving the effectiveness of unmanned aerial combat in modern warfare.

According to Hlib Kanevskyi, Director of the Procurement Policy Department at the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Ukraine has drastically increased the number of drones deployed to the frontlines.

He revealed that in 2023, drones were purchased in the thousands, but by the end of 2024, more than 1.5 million FPV drones had been delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

This surge in procurement reflects a growing commitment to bolstering unmanned aerial capabilities, particularly as FPV drones offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive guided munitions.

The reliance on FPV drones has become a core component of Ukraine’s evolving military strategy. These drones provide Ukrainian operators with real-time target engagement and precise maneuvering in urban and complex battlefield environments.

Unlike traditional UAVs, FPV drones offer a live video feed that allows operators to control them with high accuracy, making them an invaluable tool for kamikaze strikes, reconnaissance, and counter-drone operations.

Their ability to operate in GPS-jammed areas gives Ukraine an edge against Russian electronic warfare systems, ensuring that they remain a critical part of the country’s defense strategy.

Ukraine to Acquire 4.5 Million FPV Drones in 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Ukraine is taking an even more aggressive approach to drone warfare by committing to an unprecedented increase in FPV drone procurement.

According to Kanevskyi, the country’s defense industry is expected to manufacture approximately 4.5 million FPV drones this year, with the Ministry of Defense planning to purchase the entire production output.

This ambitious goal highlights Ukraine’s determination to integrate drone FPV technology into every aspect of its military operations, further strengthening its ability to challenge Russian forces on the battlefield.

To support this initiative, the Ukrainian government has allocated over 110 billion UAH ($2.6 billion) for drone purchases in 2025. Of this amount, 102 billion UAH ($2.4 billion) will be managed by the Defense Procurement Agency, ensuring that Ukraine’s drone program is fully funded and capable of sustaining high production levels.

This financial commitment underscores the government’s belief in the strategic importance of FPV drones and their potential to reshape the course of the war.

A key component of this expansion is Ukraine’s emphasis on domestic production. In 2024, 96% of all drone procurement contracts were awarded to Ukrainian manufacturers, reinforcing the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense industry.

By prioritizing local suppliers, Ukraine is not only reducing its reliance on foreign partners but also accelerating the deployment of drones to the frontlines.

The recent launch of state-owned drone production facilities in January 2025 further supports this goal by increasing supply and fostering competition within the industry.

Kanevskyi emphasized that maintaining government oversight at all production stages could encourage manufacturers to reduce costs, making drone procurement more efficient and cost-effective.

FPV Drones: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare

The rapid expansion of FPV drone capabilities has revolutionized Ukraine’s military operations, offering a low-cost, high-precision alternative to traditional weapon systems.

These drones have been widely used for kamikaze attacks, where they are equipped with explosive payloads to strike enemy tanks, armored vehicles, command centers, and fortifications. Their ability to deliver pinpoint strikes with minimal collateral damage has made them one of the most effective tools in Ukraine’s arsenal.

Beyond direct strikes, FPV drones play a crucial role in surveillance and targeting. By providing real-time battlefield intelligence, they help Ukrainian forces adjust artillery and missile strikes with extreme accuracy.

The live video feed from FPV drones allows operators to track enemy movements, identify vulnerabilities, and execute well-coordinated attacks. This capability has proven essential in urban warfare scenarios, where precise targeting can determine the success or failure of an operation.

Ukraine has also leveraged FPV drones for counter-drone operations, using them to intercept and neutralize enemy UAVs. As both Ukraine and Russia continue to rely heavily on drone technology, aerial battles between opposing drones have become a common feature of modern warfare.

Ukraine’s ability to outmaneuver and destroy Russian drones has helped maintain air superiority in contested zones, preventing enemy reconnaissance and strikes.

The adaptability of FPV drones has further contributed to their effectiveness. Unlike larger UAVs, they are small, fast, and difficult to detect, making them a challenge for traditional air defense systems to intercept.

Their low production cost allows Ukraine to deploy them in large numbers, overwhelming Russian forces and forcing them to expend significant resources countering drone threats. This strategy of mass drone deployment reflects Ukraine’s broader shift toward high-tech, asymmetric warfare, where advanced technology is used to offset numerical disadvantages.

Ukraine’s commitment to FPV drone expansion in 2025 represents more than just an increase in numbers—it signifies a strategic shift in modern combat tactics. By focusing on drone warfare, Ukraine is shaping the future of conflict, where unmanned aerial systems play a central role in military strategy.

With millions of FPV drones set to enter service, Ukraine is solidifying its position as a global leader in drone warfare, proving that technology and innovation can be decisive factors in modern military conflicts.