Ukrainian state aircraft company to start manufacturing drones

The Ukrainian state-owned aircraft manufacturer Antonov is set to begin producing drones, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing a presentation from the Ukrainian defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom.

According to the presentation, Antonov has opened a new drone facility “with the aim of enhancing unmanned systems manufacturing capabilities and providing support to private unmanned systems manufacturers in terms of expertise and services.” Its authors noted that the facility will also provide a wide range of other services such as conducting experimental aerodynamic studies, creating training simulators for drone operators, and developing component standards.

The company itself declined to comment on the news, but a Reuters source familiar with the plans said that its experience building cargo planes could allow it to build drones capable of reaching even deeper into Russian territory.