Kyiv, Aug 21 (AP) — A Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian ammunition depot last September highlighted Kyiv's determination to strike deep into enemy territory, underscoring the impressive capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry. For Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point, the episode was particularly rewarding as months later, Russia's ability to carry out destructive glide bomb attacks on cities like Kharkiv had diminished.
"Our only real asymmetric advantage on the battlefield is fighting in the air. We lack the manpower and financial resources they possess," said Terekh, while surveying the recently assembled deep-strike drones poised to target key Russian facilities.
Amid limited Western military support, Ukraine is rapidly emerging as a hub for defense innovation, aiming not just to match but potentially outperform Russian capabilities. Fire Point, a leader in this field, allowed The Associated Press exclusive access to one of their clandestine factories.
The factory, resonating with rock music, showcased the FP-1 exploding drones, capable of traveling 1,600 kilometers. For the first time, officials also unveiled a cruise missile under development that can travel 3,000 kilometers, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes to mass-produce by year's end.
Despite calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump for a resolution to the 3.5-year-old conflict, and potential U.S. backing for NATO-like security assurances, Ukrainian defense officials are focused on achieving self-reliance.
"We believe our strongest guarantee lies in our capability to defend ourselves, not in depending on others," said Arsen Zhumadilov, head of Ukraine's arms procurement agency.
The Ukrainian government is investing approximately $10 billion annually in domestic weaponry, with hopes to triple this through sales to European allies. Drone innovation in Ukraine emerged out of necessity, spurred by the limitations of foreign support and the urgent needs of the battlefield.
When Western nations hesitated to supply long-range weapons, a group of experts from diverse fields, without defense backgrounds, began producing cost-effective drones, rivaling the destructive power of Iran's Shahed drones used by Russia. Uniting skills from construction, game design, and architecture, they created drones with enhanced range and precision that didn't require an airfield launch.
Hired in summer 2023 without prior defense experience, Terekh, an architect, evolved from a target of 30 drones monthly to overseeing the production of 100 drones daily, each costing $55,000. Though the FP-1 drones appear simple, with a 60-kilogram payload, they account for 60% of strikes deep inside Russia, targeting essential facilities.
This Ukrainian ingenuity has won high praise, with expectations that their products will dominate the market post-war. Incentives by the Ukrainian government for startups within the defense sector fostered rapid development and responsiveness to Russian strategies.
"Ukraine is turning into the Silicon Valley of defense," declared Yaroslav Azhnyuk, a notable figure in Ukraine's defense industry. Fire Point's agile adaptive strategies, such as developing in-house navigation systems against electronic interference, exemplify this innovative spirit.
While operating in seclusion can risk civilian areas, it protects key assets from Russian attacks. Fire Point's strategic feedback loops with military units ensure constant refinement and innovation.
The company's recent tests of its FP-5 cruise missile are encouraging. Nicknamed "Flamingo" due to its unexpected color, it demonstrates the company's capacity for groundbreaking advancements despite adversity.
Although Ukrainian officials, including Zelenskyy, seek resolutions to the conflict, Terekh is doubtful about Russia's willingness to accept terms conducive to real peace. "We are preparing for a bigger, much scarier war," she expressed.
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