Media: Ukraine is eager for "Patriot" missiles and also working to produce drones without Chinese parts

Russia made a rare daylight air strike on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on March 16. Drone debris fell on the historic Maidan Square in the city center, and the sound of explosions echoed continuously. This attack that occurred during the day involved multiple types of attack drones, which was unusual. Russia launched a total of 211 drones from the evening of the 15th to the daytime of the 16th, and the Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 194 of them. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was also bombed, resulting in three deaths and damage to transportation infrastructure.

A New York Times reporter accompanied Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to inspect the front line in the east. After that, on the 15th, he published an article stating: As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, the air defense missiles that the Ukrainian army desperately needs are being rapidly consumed on the battlefield in the Middle East. Especially in the eastern region, there is a great need for supplies, and daily demands are constantly changing. Zelenskyy said, "We are in a very, very tense and challenging situation."

The New York Times report pointed out that the potential war between the United States and Iran not only might divert attention from Ukraine but also reminds the world how few "Patriot" missiles remain in the world.

Zelenskyy said that considering the scale of Iran's retaliatory strikes, it is understandable for these countries to use so many "Patriot" missiles. He said with a bitter smile, "This is a large-scale attack, just like what we experienced all winter."

Now, Ukraine has very few "Patriot" missiles left. What if they cannot get more? Regarding this, Zelenskyy answered, "This is a very tricky issue."

The New York Times reporter said that during two interruptions while talking to Zelenskyy on a park bench, one was due to sudden hail, and the other was due to an air raid alert. The second round of dialogue took place in an underground shelter, and the third round was completed on a train back to Kyiv. The interview introduction states: Zelenskyy relies mostly on coffee to keep going, estimated to drink at least 10 cups a day. He sleeps an average of 5 hours each night, his voice is hoarse, and he coughs occasionally.

Ukraine still greatly needs the "Patriot" missiles from the United States, but it has also been working to produce drones that do not rely on imported Chinese components. As drones increasingly dominate the battlefield, Ukraine is focusing on achieving self-sufficiency in drone production. Ukrainian officers told the New York Times reporter that more than 90% of Russian casualties are caused by drones.

In the first year after Russia's invasion in February 2022, almost all of Ukraine's drones came from China. With the surge in demand, Beijing began implementing increasingly broader restrictions in 2023. Although China officially maintains neutrality in the war, experts say that Beijing gives its partner Russia priority in obtaining components that can still be exported.

Ukraine has had to purchase some parts through intermediaries and has gradually shifted its focus to producing drones independently, reducing its reliance on Chinese components. A Ukrainian official told the New York Times: Ukrainian and Russian companies often purchase components from the same factory in China. The factory owners will precisely schedule their production schedules to avoid Ukrainian and Russian buyers meeting at the factory.

Colonel Pavlo Palisa, a deputy to the office of the president and military advisor to President Zelenskyy, said that Kyiv is expanding domestic weapons production, partly to strengthen its leverage in peace negotiations.

The Ukrainian defense drone company produces first-person view quadcopter attack drones under the F-Drones brand, which have a higher usage rate in destroying Russian heavy equipment compared to other types of drones.

The company's founder said, "The drones worth $500 saved this country." We deliberately chose the most difficult path because Ukraine is fighting for a foothold in a technological war, and we are buying this experience with blood."

However, Ukraine will not mass-produce completely component-free drones from China in the short term, as using these components is still much cheaper. Given China's dominant position in global manufacturing, it is difficult to make drones without any Chinese elements. Many components manufactured outside of China still contain Chinese parts or raw materials.

It was reported that two Ukrainian companies that produce "component-free" drones have been selected to compete for contracts under the Pentagon's "Drone Dominance Program." According to this program, the US plans to procure thousands of low-cost attack drones. The Ukrainian defense drone company produces most of its components itself, and the rest are supplied by European suppliers.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859848971352076/

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