The US Defense Secretary noted that Ukraine’s drones are more effective at hitting distant targets than traditional missiles and cheaper.
According to the Pentagon’s transcript of the press briefing held by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on 23 October 2024 in Italy, Austin announced US support for Ukraine’s domestic weapons production. He focused on long-range attack capabilities.
Despite Ukraine’s long-running appeals in the face of escalating Russian attacks, Western nations including the US and UK continue to restrict their use of long-range weapons such as ATACMS missiles and Storm Shadow missiles, reportedly, to avoid further escalation.
Austin, while answering journalists’ questions at a press conference in Rome, highlighted the effectiveness and range of drones made by Ukraine. He said that “they have developed the capability to produce drones in mass quantities that are very, effective, and can travel impressive distances.”
According to a transcript from the Department of Defense, the Pentagon chief highlighted the strategic advantage of the systems, noting Ukrainian forces’ ability to “hit targets 400 kilometers beyond the frontier, and even further, with precision.” He also noted that the ATACMS, which was supplied by the US but restricted to use against Russia, has a range of 300 km.
Austin specifically addressed the US pledge of $800 million towards drone production, highlighting the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional weapons.
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