In this video, Frank Wolfe, Defense Daily’s Air Force and Space Force reporter, speaks with Arsen Zhumadilov about Ukraine’s rapidly evolving drone production ecosystem and air defense capabilities.
Arsen explains Ukraine’s Chain Defense system, a flexible acquisition and production framework that allows frontline military brigades to customize drones to meet their specific operational needs — often with delivery times of less than 10 days. Nearly 200 brigades are now participating in the system, supported by more than 80 companies producing approximately 250 different drone models.
The discussion also highlights Merops interceptor drones, which have proven effective against Shahed drones and incorporate U.S.-made components. When addressing the contribution of U.S. drone technology, Arsen points to the Merops interceptor as a particularly valuable system.
While Ukraine manufactures the majority of its drones domestically, the conversation underscores the important role that American components and technology continue to play in enhancing Ukraine’s drone and air defense capabilities.
