Ukraine Scales Interceptor Drone Production Amid Urgent Presidential Orders

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal to urgently finalize contracts for drones, particularly interceptor drones, to support Ukraine's Defense Forces amid ongoing conflict. An audit is underway to expedite contracting processes, with a focus on scaling up technologies that have proven effective on the battlefield, including interceptor drones which have notably increased successful neutralizations of Shahed drones. Zelenskyy and Shmyhal also discussed enhancing the frequency and prioritization of deep strikes against Russian forces. Shmyhal is preparing a detailed work program for the Defense Ministry to be presented soon, outlining key priorities for implementation in both the short and medium term. Efforts are underway to reduce bureaucracy in drone deployment and weapons production to ensure timely delivery to the military. Additionally, Shmyhal's leadership is seen as potentially beneficial for addressing the Ministry's bureaucratic challenges, with an emphasis on digitalization, international cooperation, and improving supply quality for soldiers.