Over the past three years, over 500 companies engaged in drone production have emerged in Ukraine — this is one of the highest figures in the world, said Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology — Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov.

"Ukraine is one of the world capitals of the drone industry. Over the past three years, we have had over 500 manufacturers. This is one of the highest figures in the world. It is Ukraine that sets the trend in the world of UAVs," he said during his address to the participants of the conference on the European defense industry and prospects for cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry, organized by the analytical center We Build Ukraine.

The deputy prime minister pointed out that during the full-scale war in Ukraine, the defense-tech market has developed almost from scratch, which became possible, according to him, in particular due to the launch of the Brave1 cluster. Currently, more than 3,200 developments are registered on the platform.

"We have scaled up our experience with UAVs to other areas. In particular, we have more than 240 electronic warfare developments, more than 280 robotic systems. We are working on a missile program, developing the ammunition and explosives market. We are also actively testing various options for using artificial intelligence," he said.

Fedorov noted that "we are already moving to a model where drones fight drones, and this is a revolution in modern military affairs."

In addition, he paid special attention to water drones, noting a recent unique case when sea drones entered into battle with Russian aircraft and helicopters.

The official called on European partners for active cooperation, noting Ukraine's readiness to share experience, ideas and technologies.

"Together we can create new defense standards that will ensure stability, security and peace," Fedorov said.