Germany is set to allocate over 100 million euros to Ukraine for the development of new strike drones of the An-196 model, capable of reaching targets at distances exceeding 1000 kilometers.

This information is reported by Spiegel, citing its own sources.

Hundreds of An-196 Drones to be Produced in Ukraine

According to sources, the German government plans to invest a substantial amount into the Ukrainian combat drone production program, amounting to hundreds of millions of euros.

The funds will specifically be directed towards the creation of the An-196 strike drones.

These drones are designed to strike targets deep in enemy territory, featuring a warhead and a range of up to 2000 kilometers.

Thanks to German funding, Ukraine expects to produce several hundred of these combat drones.

This initiative aligns with the European Union's broader strategy to support Ukraine's defense industry, leveraging its unique experience gained during the war with Russia, particularly in drone manufacturing.

According to sources, further investments from other partner countries could significantly enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.

An-196 Drone - What You Need to Know

The An-196 is a new Ukrainian kamikaze drone designed for striking targets at great distances.

The development of this drone was announced by the state concern "Ukroboronprom" in October 2022, intending to create a drone with a warhead of 75 kg and a total weight of over 200 kg.

The production of the first batch of these drones was completed in August 2023.

It is believed that one of the first combat uses of the "Lutiy" occurred on August 28, 2023, when Ukrainian special operations forces attacked a base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet's coastal brigade located in occupied Crimea.