**US Supported Ukraine’s Drone Industry with $1.5 Billion Funding**
The US government has revealed that it gave $1.5 billion to support Ukraine’s drone industry in September 2024. This information was declassified by the Biden administration and reported by The New York Times on January 17.
**Ukraine’s Drones Have Been Effective**
Ukrainian drones have been used for various missions, including reconnaissance, combat, and other tasks. They have shown to be effective against Russian forces, especially when used in conjunction with US-made missiles and air defense systems.
**US Intelligence Officers Assisted Ukraine**
US intelligence officers helped Ukraine advance its drone capabilities, designing a new generation of drones that could revolutionize modern warfare. This support has been secret until now.
**Funding for Drone Manufacturing**
The $1.5 billion funding was used to support drone manufacturing in Ukraine and facilitate partnerships between US tech companies and Ukrainian producers. This effort intensified during the 2023 counteroffensive, when Ukraine struggled to gain significant territory against Russian forces.
**Ukraine’s Drones Have Made a Difference**
Ukrainian drones have become more effective and deadly with this investment. Maritime drones have destroyed 25% of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, while aerial drones deployed on the front lines have slowed Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.
**Ukraine Has Produced Many Drones**
By the end of 2024, Ukraine had produced over 200,000 domestically made drones and delivered them to frontline units, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.