Germany to fund Ukrainian strike drones with €100M
Germany will provide Ukraine with more than €100 million to
support the production of An-196 long-range strike drones capable of flying
over 1,000 kilometers, Spiegel
reported on June 24.
According to the outlet’s sources, the German government
plans to finance the production of Ukrainian combat drones with a “triple-digit
million” sum. Specifically, the funding will support the development of the
An-196 strike drone.
These deep-strike drones are equipped with warheads and can
reach distances of up to 2,000 kilometers. The report noted that Ukraine could
produce several hundred of these drones with German funding.
“The European Union is already working to integrate Ukraine
into the defense industry and draw on its experience from the war with Russia.
That includes the drone production sector. If a few more countries invest more
heavily in Ukraine’s defense industry, Ukraine will benefit greatly from that
support,” Spiegel’s sources said.
The An-196 Liutyi is a Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drone
developed by Antonov. It has a range of over 1,000 kilometers, carries a
warhead of up to 75 kilograms, and is equipped with navigation systems
featuring elements of artificial intelligence.
Designed to strike strategic targets deep behind enemy
lines, it is noted for its autonomy, precision, and suitability for mass
deployment.
According to BBC News Ukraine,
the Liutyi drone was first launched into Russian territory in May 2023. By late
summer, it had entered serial production. A Ukrainian government source
involved in its development told reporters the drone is a unique counterpart to
Iran’s Shahed, capable of adjusting its altitude based on terrain and offering
strong resistance to jamming.
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