KYIV, July 7 — Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, has led the country’s drone development and procurement programme since the 2022 invasion, according to the record. Fedorov oversees the ‘Army of Drones’ initiative, a state-led effort that has raised funds for thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles. The minister, born in 1991 in the city of Vasylkiv, was elected to parliament in 2019 after a career in digital marketing.
His portfolio expanded dramatically after the full-scale war began, placing him at the centre of Ukraine’s effort to build a domestic drone industry.
The Drone Programme
According to the record, Fedorov’s ministry has raised funds for thousands of drones, including the UJ-22 and PD-1 models. Both types have been used in strikes on Russian targets. The minister has stated publicly that Ukraine aims to produce over 1,000 long-range drones in 2024.
The ‘Army of Drones’ initiative combines Western technology with crowdfunding. Fedorov has been instrumental in integrating these two funding streams, according to the record.
The programme has drawn on contributions from private donors and foreign governments alike. Russia sanctioned Fedorov in 2022.
Strategic Context
The drone programme sits within a broader Ukrainian strategy. Fedorov’s background in digital marketing has shaped the ministry’s approach to fundraising. The ‘Army of Drones’ campaign has used social media and online platforms to solicit donations, a method that has raised significant sums for drone procurement.
The UJ-22 and PD-1 drones represent two distinct categories of unmanned systems.
Looking Forward
The record shows that Fedorov has prioritised increasing domestic manufacturing capacity, reducing Ukraine’s dependence on foreign suppliers. Russian officials have not commented on the drone programme’s effectiveness, though the sanctions imposed on Fedorov suggest Moscow views his work as a threat. The minister continues to operate from Kyiv, coordinating drone procurement and development across multiple government agencies.
Western partners have provided technical assistance and funding. Fedorov’s ministry has stated that it aims to make Ukraine a global leader in drone technology.
