Ukraine pushes domestic mini-turbojet production to power next-gen drones and missiles
Ukraine’s defence ministry says building mini-turbojet engines at home is now a critical priority for its drone and missile programmes.
Ukraine is accelerating a home-grown mini-turbojet programme, viewing it as essential for reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara indicated that monthly demand for a particular engine model could reach 10,000 units, to be supplied by a network of 20 Ukrainian firms. Brave1, the state-supported innovation hub, has overseen 20 initiatives over the past 18 months, mixing public and private resources.
The engines will equip medium-range drones that have already struck Russian logistics lines, as well as cruise missiles capable of hitting targets deep inside occupied territory. They are also vital for a new class of high-speed interceptor drones needed to meet faster Russian jet-driven threats. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced further decisions on domestic jet-engine production, though details remain undisclosed.
Why it matters
Domestic jet-engine production could boost Ukraine's military self-reliance and improve its ability to counter Russian drone threats.
In this story
