President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia's armed forces are still short of certain weapons, including drones, despite a big increase in production.
Putin stated this at a meeting of the state Military-Industrial Commission, adding that almost all defence enterprises had met their orders in full last year.
“For example, production of weapons, communications, reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems more than doubled. The troops received over 4,000 units of armoured weapons, 180 combat aircraft and helicopters,” he said.
The Russian leader reiterated that over 1.5 million drones of various types had also been produced, including about 4,000 first-person view (FPV) drones – lightweight models designed for precision targeting.
“I know very well, and many here who are participating in our meeting today know it as well as I do: there are still not enough of these weapons. Not enough.
“I am sure that all plans to increase production of the necessary equipment, in this case drones, will certainly be fulfilled. They are eagerly awaiting them on the front,”; he added.
Putin's comments signalled that Russia intends to further ramp up military production in the fourth year of its war in Ukraine, even as it holds talks with the United States on prospects for ending the conflict.
