Ukraine is set to phase out its reliance on Chinese-manufactured drones on the battlefield by introducing a domestically produced alternative to the popular DJI Mavic camera drone. This strategic shift addresses growing concerns over dependency on components from China, given its close ties with Russia during the ongoing conflict.
Developing a Domestic Drone Capability
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's defence minister, has confirmed that troops will soon begin fielding a homegrown version of the DJI Mavic. The retail-grade Mavic has been extensively used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces for aerial reconnaissance along the frontlines, despite Ukraine's existing production of "suicide" attack drones and defensive variants.
Fedorov stated: "We will have our own Mavic analogue: the same camera, but with a longer flight range." While the manufacturer of the Ukrainian version remains undisclosed, this move aims to enhance operational capabilities and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
Volunteer Efforts and Military Priorities
Ukrainian army units, often supported by volunteer groups, have heavily relied on Mavic drones, with continuous campaigns to source and fund these devices. The new domestic alternative is expected to streamline logistics and bolster frontline effectiveness.
Digital Transformation of Ukraine's Defence
In a broader overhaul, Fedorov announced a sweeping data-driven modernisation of Ukraine's military. This initiative focuses on rewarding battlefield commanders and optimising resource allocation through enhanced data analytics.
Key components of this transformation include:
- A mission control system for drone flights to improve coordination and efficiency.
- Advanced performance tracking for artillery crews to increase combat effectiveness.
- A system allowing allies to train military artificial intelligence models using Ukraine's extensive combat data, including statistics and drone footage.
Fedorov emphasised the importance of "the mathematics of war" in overhauling defence ministry management and spending, aiming to give Ukrainian forces a strategic advantage.
Recent Attacks and Nuclear Safety Concerns
Overnight Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, resulted in casualties and damage to buildings. Additional attacks across Ukraine, including in Zaporizhzhia and the Kyiv region, have caused widespread power outages and disrupted heating for thousands of households.
Notably, these strikes affected substations critical for nuclear safety, with the Chornobyl plant temporarily losing off-site power. Ukrainian officials have condemned these actions as endangering nuclear facilities, despite Russian claims about the importance of power infrastructure.
Diplomatic Developments and Calls for Support
Following recent peace talks involving US and Ukrainian officials, discussions in Davos between envoys for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were described as "very positive" by Russian representatives. However, Zelenskyy has urged the US to increase pressure on Moscow, advocating for tougher sanctions to curb Russian missile production.
Zelenskyy expressed readiness to travel to Davos if security guarantees and a postwar prosperity plan for Ukraine are on the agenda, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
