Outgoing Republican Senator Thom Tillis faulted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership during a 9 July CNN interview, describing the Pentagon chief as “out of his depth” and calling Hegseth’s recent pause of U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine “just amateurish.” Tillis said the episode underscored Hegseth’s inability to manage “a large, complex organization” and suggested he would oppose the nomination if the vote were held today.

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Ukrainian forces have destroyed several Russian military assets using advanced tactics and technology. Notably, a rare Russian Zemledeliye remote minelaying system, designed for rapid deployment of minefields in hazardous areas, was neutralized by Ukrainian FPV drones operated by the 1st Special Operations Detachment "UA_REG" in the Kursk Region. Additionally, the 5th Assault Brigade destroyed a Russian 120-mm 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled gun in the Donetsk direction. Ukrainian soldiers from the "Wormbusters" unit also destroyed a Russian Strela-10 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Furthermore, a Russian TOS-2 220mm multiple rocket launcher system was reportedly destroyed by a kamikaze FPV drone. These actions demonstrate the use of drone technology and special operations forces in countering Russian military equipment.

Russia unleashed its largest aerial assault of the war overnight, firing 728 Shahed and decoy drones together with 13 cruise and ballistic missiles at targets across Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force said. The barrage surpasses previous nightly attacks and marks the heaviest single-day strike since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian defenses reported downing 296 drones and seven missiles, yet explosions were recorded in at least 10 regions. The western city of Lutsk, a logistics hub near the Polish border, was described as the hardest hit. One civilian was killed in Khmelnytskyi and several people were injured around Kyiv, while fires damaged storage facilities and parking structures. Poland scrambled fighter jets and raised its alert level as the attack neared NATO airspace.

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said arms supplied to Ukraine are being used to kill children, citing what Moscow describes as an attack by Ukrainian forces on a city beach in the Russian city of Kursk.

Zakharova warned that governments and companies providing military aid to Kyiv “must realize” the consequences of their support, without specifying which suppliers she intended or providing casualty figures for the alleged strike.

The Kremlin said Western governments are still supplying weapons to Ukraine, with European countries "pumping arms" into the conflict, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to dispatch additional military aid to Kyiv.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Trump’s remarks as containing "many contradictions" and added that Moscow will need time to learn exactly what systems Washington plans to send. He warned that fresh deliveries from the United States and its allies would only extend the war.

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike overnight on July 5 against the VNIIR-Progress facility in Cheboksary, Russia, located more than 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The facility is part of Russia's military-industrial complex and specializes in producing Kometa adaptive antenna arrays. These antennas are integrated into various Russian military systems, including Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles, Iskander-K ballistic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, UMPK kits, guided bombs, and electronic warfare devices. The strike was confirmed by the regional governor and the Ukrainian General Staff, with assessments of the damage ongoing.

On July 3, Ukraine observed the Day of Army Aviation, honoring the personnel of the Land Forces' aviation units who play a crucial role in combat operations by providing fire support, heliborne troop insertions, ammunition delivery, and evacuation of wounded soldiers. These aviation units are recognized for their mobility and operational impact on the front lines. On July 4, Ukrainian officials and citizens extended Independence Day greetings to the United States, acknowledging the shared values of freedom and the ongoing support from the American people amid Ukraine's continued conflict with Russia. On July 6, Ukraine celebrated the Day of the Naval Forces, highlighting the Navy's strategic role in defending the nation's waters, shores, and airspace.

Ukrainian Naval Forces have successfully prevented a Russian landing in Odesa, contributed to the sinking of the Russian ship Moskva, regained control of Zmiiniy Island, and destroyed or damaged 28 Russian ships and one submarine. The Navy also maintains the operational “grain corridor,” which is vital for logistics. A record-setting event in Odesa featured the unfurling of the largest flag of the Ukrainian Naval Forces. Additionally, the Ukrainian Navy operates Swedish-supplied CB90 fast assault craft. Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended congratulations to workers and veterans of Russia's maritime and river fleets, emphasizing the importance of water transport to Russia's security and sovereignty.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv’s air-defence units knocked out “dozens” of Russian-launched Shahed drones during a large-scale strike in the early hours of 4 July. He credited newly deployed Ukrainian-made interceptor drones for the results and described the attack as part of a barrage that included more than 500 drones and missiles.

Zelensky announced plans to sharply increase production of the interceptor systems and to accelerate training for drone operators, calling the effort a clear priority for protecting Ukrainian cities. The commander of the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, known by the call-sign “Madyar,” added that intelligence assessments show Russia could raise its use of Shahed drones to as many as 1,000 a day, underscoring the need for expanded defences.

Footage circulating on 4 July shows a damaged Russian-launched Shahed attack drone drifting down the Dnipro River in central Kyiv. Multiple Ukrainian social-media channels said the loitering munition was shot down by local air-defence units during a strike on the capital the previous night.

The discovery underscores the continuing frequency of Russian drone raids on Ukrainian cities. Kyiv authorities have not reported injuries or damage linked to this particular device, but said engineering teams are examining the wreckage for intelligence on flight paths and payload configuration.

Ukraine appears to have introduced a new one-way attack drone, dubbed the “Liutyi,” that was recorded flying over the Moscow and Rostov regions early on 4 July. Video circulating from multiple angles shows the airframe skimming rooftops at low altitude before continuing deeper into Russian territory.

The Liutyi’s delta-wing profile and pusher-propeller configuration closely match the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 loitering munition that Russia has used extensively during the war. Its outward similarity suggests Kyiv has adapted the low-cost platform for its own long-range strikes, potentially enabling deeper penetration of Russian airspace than earlier Ukrainian models.

The overflights came a day after Ukrainian investigators said Russia had begun fielding upgraded Shahed variants with heavier warheads and more sophisticated guidance electronics. The appearance of a Ukrainian counterpart underscores the escalating drone contest between the two sides as each seeks inexpensive ways to project force far beyond the front lines.

Israeli forces have intensified military operations across the Gaza Strip, including heavy artillery shelling, airstrikes, and targeted detonations. On July 3, Israeli artillery bombarded areas near the Jabalia cemetery in northern Gaza, followed by the detonation of booby-trapped robots and demolition of residential homes in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City. On July 4, a series of violent clashes and airstrikes occurred in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, involving helicopter gunships launching missiles and continuous artillery fire. Israeli aircraft conducted multiple air raids on northern and eastern Khan Younis, as well as on the Al-Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City.

Additional security incidents were reported in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. Israeli helicopters also reportedly conducted evacuations of wounded soldiers amid ongoing clashes. These operations have resulted in sustained heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance groups in multiple locations within the Gaza Strip.

The Pentagon will establish two new National Defense Areas—one spanning roughly 250 miles of the Rio Grande in southern Texas and another along a strip of Arizona bordering Yuma—U.S. officials said. The tracts will be administered as extensions of Joint Base San Antonio and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, respectively, empowering troops inside the zones to temporarily detain migrants and other trespassers until U.S. Border Patrol agents arrive.

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The United States government has decided not to send certain weapons previously pledged to Ukraine following a Pentagon review of military assistance. The White House confirmed this decision, which comes after an evaluation of the military aid package intended for Ukraine. Details regarding which specific weapons will not be delivered or the reasons for withholding them have not been disclosed. This development marks a change in the U.S. military support strategy for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical considerations.

Russian forces have been observed deploying FPV (First Person View) kamikaze drones equipped with solar panels in the Kherson region. These solar panels are believed to enable the drones to remain operational for extended periods, potentially allowing them to wait in ambush for targets. The integration of solar technology suggests an effort to enhance the endurance of these unmanned aerial vehicles on the front lines. Concurrently, Russia has tested a new laser defense system under the "Posokh" project aimed at countering drone threats.

Demonstrations of this system showed that an invisible laser beam could disable a drone's engine at a distance of 500 meters, causing it to catch fire, although the tests used static mock-ups. Additionally, Russia's BARS-SARMAT Special Purpose Center for Unmanned Systems has revealed a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with multi-band electronic suppression systems designed to counter FPV drones near conflict zones. There are also reports of a one-way attack UGV controlled via fiber-optic cable and radio link, supported by a UAV signal repeater to enhance control and communication. These developments indicate a dual approach by Russian forces to both extend the operational capabilities of their drones and improve counter-drone defenses.

Ukraine has developed new anti-drone ammunition designed to counter Russian aerial attacks, with the manufacturer Brave1 codifying the rounds according to NATO standards. This specialized 5.56mm anti-drone rifle ammunition features frangible projectiles that scatter like birdshot to maximize effectiveness against drones, including FPV and reconnaissance types. The initiative aims to equip every Ukrainian infantryman with magazines loaded with these cartridges to strengthen drone defense capabilities. Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, farmers such as Larisa Sysenko and her husband Viktor are manually demining their land, using rakes to clear mines left behind after Russian forces withdrew. The widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance continues to pose risks to agricultural areas, with affected communities cautiously returning to these contaminated lands.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on 1 July, reviewing existing and new initiatives to deepen the India-US defence partnership, according to official readouts released after the call.

Singh said the discussion covered ways to strengthen cooperation in capacity building for India’s armed forces and expand joint efforts against terrorism. He expressed "deep appreciation" for what he called Washington’s unwavering support for New Delhi’s counter-terror goals, officials added.

The two ministers also discussed Hegseth’s forthcoming visit to India, which is expected to advance bilateral defence projects and align security objectives in the Indo-Pacific, the people familiar with the talks said.

The Russian Armed Forces have deployed an armored train named Yenisei in the Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) axis, a region currently under temporary occupation. This train is equipped with a BMP-2 gun turret and a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, mounted on the gun platforms to provide defense against drone strikes. The armored train is performing logistics tasks and supporting Russian military advances in the area.

For the first time, Russian forces have reportedly deployed guided aerial bombs targeting Dnipro (formerly Dnipropetrovsk), located over 100 kilometers from the front line. Ukrainian air defense systems attempted to intercept these bombs during the attack. The weapon involved is believed to be the Grom-1 (also spelled Hrom-1), a new hybrid bomb-missile possibly based on the Kh-38 missile and equipped with a booster for extended range. The Grom-1 has been shot down near Dnipro, according to regional officials including the head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council, Mykola Lukashuk, and the regional governor. This development marks an expansion in the reach of Russian aerial bomb capabilities, which have previously targeted cities such as Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Odessa, with bombs traveling 100 to 115 kilometers, likely powered by jet engines to achieve such distances.

Pope Leo XIV intensified his campaign for harmony inside the Roman Catholic Church, telling priests gathered in Rome for the Holy Year that “there is no place for divisions or hatred.” In a triad of events that included an ordination Mass for 32 new priests in St. Peter’s Basilica, the first American pontiff urged clergy to act in communion with their superiors and to serve as models of reconciliation in a polarized world. His written and spoken messages repeatedly cited St. Augustine and framed unity as essential to evangelisation and peace.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his government is moving to "maximize" domestic drone production, emphasising interceptor models for city defence and frontline operations. He told a meeting of the country’s Technology Staff that financing, manufacturing capacity and regulatory streamlining are being aligned to increase output quickly.

Defence Minister Rustem Umerov separately stated that Kyiv intends to multiply the number of long-range drones it deploys, after what he described as successful strikes on critical Russian military infrastructure over the past year. Contracts are being prepared for "tens of thousands" of additional long-range systems, he said, adding that the expansion aims to intensify the frequency and depth of attacks inside Russia.

The push comes as Ukraine looks to offset shortages in traditional munitions and to bolster air defences against continued Russian missile and drone assaults. No timeline for the expanded production was disclosed, but officials said recent directives require measurable increases in output “in Ukraine and for Ukraine.”

Outgoing Republican Senator Thom Tillis faulted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership during a 9 July CNN interview, describing the Pentagon chief as “out of his depth” and calling Hegseth’s recent pause of U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine “just amateurish.” Tillis said the episode underscored Hegseth’s inability to manage “a large, complex organization” and suggested he would oppose the nomination if the vote were held today.

Read more

Ukrainian forces have destroyed several Russian military assets using advanced tactics and technology. Notably, a rare Russian Zemledeliye remote minelaying system, designed for rapid deployment of minefields in hazardous areas, was neutralized by Ukrainian FPV drones operated by the 1st Special Operations Detachment "UA_REG" in the Kursk Region. Additionally, the 5th Assault Brigade destroyed a Russian 120-mm 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled gun in the Donetsk direction. Ukrainian soldiers from the "Wormbusters" unit also destroyed a Russian Strela-10 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Furthermore, a Russian TOS-2 220mm multiple rocket launcher system was reportedly destroyed by a kamikaze FPV drone. These actions demonstrate the use of drone technology and special operations forces in countering Russian military equipment.

Russia unleashed its largest aerial assault of the war overnight, firing 728 Shahed and decoy drones together with 13 cruise and ballistic missiles at targets across Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force said. The barrage surpasses previous nightly attacks and marks the heaviest single-day strike since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian defenses reported downing 296 drones and seven missiles, yet explosions were recorded in at least 10 regions. The western city of Lutsk, a logistics hub near the Polish border, was described as the hardest hit. One civilian was killed in Khmelnytskyi and several people were injured around Kyiv, while fires damaged storage facilities and parking structures. Poland scrambled fighter jets and raised its alert level as the attack neared NATO airspace.

Read more

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said arms supplied to Ukraine are being used to kill children, citing what Moscow describes as an attack by Ukrainian forces on a city beach in the Russian city of Kursk.

Zakharova warned that governments and companies providing military aid to Kyiv “must realize” the consequences of their support, without specifying which suppliers she intended or providing casualty figures for the alleged strike.

The Kremlin said Western governments are still supplying weapons to Ukraine, with European countries "pumping arms" into the conflict, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to dispatch additional military aid to Kyiv.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Trump’s remarks as containing "many contradictions" and added that Moscow will need time to learn exactly what systems Washington plans to send. He warned that fresh deliveries from the United States and its allies would only extend the war.

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike overnight on July 5 against the VNIIR-Progress facility in Cheboksary, Russia, located more than 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The facility is part of Russia's military-industrial complex and specializes in producing Kometa adaptive antenna arrays. These antennas are integrated into various Russian military systems, including Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles, Iskander-K ballistic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, UMPK kits, guided bombs, and electronic warfare devices. The strike was confirmed by the regional governor and the Ukrainian General Staff, with assessments of the damage ongoing.

On July 3, Ukraine observed the Day of Army Aviation, honoring the personnel of the Land Forces' aviation units who play a crucial role in combat operations by providing fire support, heliborne troop insertions, ammunition delivery, and evacuation of wounded soldiers. These aviation units are recognized for their mobility and operational impact on the front lines. On July 4, Ukrainian officials and citizens extended Independence Day greetings to the United States, acknowledging the shared values of freedom and the ongoing support from the American people amid Ukraine's continued conflict with Russia. On July 6, Ukraine celebrated the Day of the Naval Forces, highlighting the Navy's strategic role in defending the nation's waters, shores, and airspace.

Ukrainian Naval Forces have successfully prevented a Russian landing in Odesa, contributed to the sinking of the Russian ship Moskva, regained control of Zmiiniy Island, and destroyed or damaged 28 Russian ships and one submarine. The Navy also maintains the operational “grain corridor,” which is vital for logistics. A record-setting event in Odesa featured the unfurling of the largest flag of the Ukrainian Naval Forces. Additionally, the Ukrainian Navy operates Swedish-supplied CB90 fast assault craft. Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended congratulations to workers and veterans of Russia's maritime and river fleets, emphasizing the importance of water transport to Russia's security and sovereignty.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv’s air-defence units knocked out “dozens” of Russian-launched Shahed drones during a large-scale strike in the early hours of 4 July. He credited newly deployed Ukrainian-made interceptor drones for the results and described the attack as part of a barrage that included more than 500 drones and missiles.

Zelensky announced plans to sharply increase production of the interceptor systems and to accelerate training for drone operators, calling the effort a clear priority for protecting Ukrainian cities. The commander of the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, known by the call-sign “Madyar,” added that intelligence assessments show Russia could raise its use of Shahed drones to as many as 1,000 a day, underscoring the need for expanded defences.

Footage circulating on 4 July shows a damaged Russian-launched Shahed attack drone drifting down the Dnipro River in central Kyiv. Multiple Ukrainian social-media channels said the loitering munition was shot down by local air-defence units during a strike on the capital the previous night.

The discovery underscores the continuing frequency of Russian drone raids on Ukrainian cities. Kyiv authorities have not reported injuries or damage linked to this particular device, but said engineering teams are examining the wreckage for intelligence on flight paths and payload configuration.

Ukraine appears to have introduced a new one-way attack drone, dubbed the “Liutyi,” that was recorded flying over the Moscow and Rostov regions early on 4 July. Video circulating from multiple angles shows the airframe skimming rooftops at low altitude before continuing deeper into Russian territory.

The Liutyi’s delta-wing profile and pusher-propeller configuration closely match the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 loitering munition that Russia has used extensively during the war. Its outward similarity suggests Kyiv has adapted the low-cost platform for its own long-range strikes, potentially enabling deeper penetration of Russian airspace than earlier Ukrainian models.

The overflights came a day after Ukrainian investigators said Russia had begun fielding upgraded Shahed variants with heavier warheads and more sophisticated guidance electronics. The appearance of a Ukrainian counterpart underscores the escalating drone contest between the two sides as each seeks inexpensive ways to project force far beyond the front lines.

Israeli forces have intensified military operations across the Gaza Strip, including heavy artillery shelling, airstrikes, and targeted detonations. On July 3, Israeli artillery bombarded areas near the Jabalia cemetery in northern Gaza, followed by the detonation of booby-trapped robots and demolition of residential homes in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City. On July 4, a series of violent clashes and airstrikes occurred in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, involving helicopter gunships launching missiles and continuous artillery fire. Israeli aircraft conducted multiple air raids on northern and eastern Khan Younis, as well as on the Al-Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City.

Additional security incidents were reported in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. Israeli helicopters also reportedly conducted evacuations of wounded soldiers amid ongoing clashes. These operations have resulted in sustained heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance groups in multiple locations within the Gaza Strip.

The Pentagon will establish two new National Defense Areas—one spanning roughly 250 miles of the Rio Grande in southern Texas and another along a strip of Arizona bordering Yuma—U.S. officials said. The tracts will be administered as extensions of Joint Base San Antonio and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, respectively, empowering troops inside the zones to temporarily detain migrants and other trespassers until U.S. Border Patrol agents arrive.

Read more

The United States government has decided not to send certain weapons previously pledged to Ukraine following a Pentagon review of military assistance. The White House confirmed this decision, which comes after an evaluation of the military aid package intended for Ukraine. Details regarding which specific weapons will not be delivered or the reasons for withholding them have not been disclosed. This development marks a change in the U.S. military support strategy for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical considerations.

Russian forces have been observed deploying FPV (First Person View) kamikaze drones equipped with solar panels in the Kherson region. These solar panels are believed to enable the drones to remain operational for extended periods, potentially allowing them to wait in ambush for targets. The integration of solar technology suggests an effort to enhance the endurance of these unmanned aerial vehicles on the front lines. Concurrently, Russia has tested a new laser defense system under the "Posokh" project aimed at countering drone threats.

Demonstrations of this system showed that an invisible laser beam could disable a drone's engine at a distance of 500 meters, causing it to catch fire, although the tests used static mock-ups. Additionally, Russia's BARS-SARMAT Special Purpose Center for Unmanned Systems has revealed a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with multi-band electronic suppression systems designed to counter FPV drones near conflict zones. There are also reports of a one-way attack UGV controlled via fiber-optic cable and radio link, supported by a UAV signal repeater to enhance control and communication. These developments indicate a dual approach by Russian forces to both extend the operational capabilities of their drones and improve counter-drone defenses.

Ukraine has developed new anti-drone ammunition designed to counter Russian aerial attacks, with the manufacturer Brave1 codifying the rounds according to NATO standards. This specialized 5.56mm anti-drone rifle ammunition features frangible projectiles that scatter like birdshot to maximize effectiveness against drones, including FPV and reconnaissance types. The initiative aims to equip every Ukrainian infantryman with magazines loaded with these cartridges to strengthen drone defense capabilities. Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, farmers such as Larisa Sysenko and her husband Viktor are manually demining their land, using rakes to clear mines left behind after Russian forces withdrew. The widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance continues to pose risks to agricultural areas, with affected communities cautiously returning to these contaminated lands.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on 1 July, reviewing existing and new initiatives to deepen the India-US defence partnership, according to official readouts released after the call.

Singh said the discussion covered ways to strengthen cooperation in capacity building for India’s armed forces and expand joint efforts against terrorism. He expressed "deep appreciation" for what he called Washington’s unwavering support for New Delhi’s counter-terror goals, officials added.

The two ministers also discussed Hegseth’s forthcoming visit to India, which is expected to advance bilateral defence projects and align security objectives in the Indo-Pacific, the people familiar with the talks said.

The Russian Armed Forces have deployed an armored train named Yenisei in the Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) axis, a region currently under temporary occupation. This train is equipped with a BMP-2 gun turret and a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, mounted on the gun platforms to provide defense against drone strikes. The armored train is performing logistics tasks and supporting Russian military advances in the area.

For the first time, Russian forces have reportedly deployed guided aerial bombs targeting Dnipro (formerly Dnipropetrovsk), located over 100 kilometers from the front line. Ukrainian air defense systems attempted to intercept these bombs during the attack. The weapon involved is believed to be the Grom-1 (also spelled Hrom-1), a new hybrid bomb-missile possibly based on the Kh-38 missile and equipped with a booster for extended range. The Grom-1 has been shot down near Dnipro, according to regional officials including the head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council, Mykola Lukashuk, and the regional governor. This development marks an expansion in the reach of Russian aerial bomb capabilities, which have previously targeted cities such as Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Odessa, with bombs traveling 100 to 115 kilometers, likely powered by jet engines to achieve such distances.

Pope Leo XIV intensified his campaign for harmony inside the Roman Catholic Church, telling priests gathered in Rome for the Holy Year that “there is no place for divisions or hatred.” In a triad of events that included an ordination Mass for 32 new priests in St. Peter’s Basilica, the first American pontiff urged clergy to act in communion with their superiors and to serve as models of reconciliation in a polarized world. His written and spoken messages repeatedly cited St. Augustine and framed unity as essential to evangelisation and peace.

Read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his government is moving to "maximize" domestic drone production, emphasising interceptor models for city defence and frontline operations. He told a meeting of the country’s Technology Staff that financing, manufacturing capacity and regulatory streamlining are being aligned to increase output quickly.

Defence Minister Rustem Umerov separately stated that Kyiv intends to multiply the number of long-range drones it deploys, after what he described as successful strikes on critical Russian military infrastructure over the past year. Contracts are being prepared for "tens of thousands" of additional long-range systems, he said, adding that the expansion aims to intensify the frequency and depth of attacks inside Russia.

The push comes as Ukraine looks to offset shortages in traditional munitions and to bolster air defences against continued Russian missile and drone assaults. No timeline for the expanded production was disclosed, but officials said recent directives require measurable increases in output “in Ukraine and for Ukraine.”