US EditionUkraine's attack drone fleet faces a mini jet engine supply crunch
European makers are expanding output as Ukraine’s suppliers warn of a bottleneck that could limit deep-strike drone production, with some firms targeting 1,000 engines in 2026.
- European mini-jet engine makers ramped up production and investment on Tuesday to head off a looming supply shortage threatening Ukraine's deep-strike drone programme, with Czech defence group CSG aiming to produce about 1,000 turbojet engines in 2026, roughly 35% destined for Ukraine.
- Before Russia's 2022 invasion, few European manufacturers produced mini turbojet engines at scale, forcing rapid expansion; Czech-based PBS Group has increased production five-fold since 2023 and aims for eight-fold growth by year-end as mini turbojet drones offer speed and cost advantages over cruise missiles.
- An anonymous Ukrainian defence industry source called the mini-engine shortage 'probably the main factor limiting the number of missile drones produced,' while Maria Popova, COO of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, stated 'Supply remains constrained both globally and, more acutely, within Ukraine.'
- Fabian Hoffmann, senior research fellow at the Norwegian Defence University College, cited a 'massive bottleneck' in mini-jet engine production; PBS Chief Global Officer Stanislav Lisner told Reuters capacities are 'stretched to the limits' and the company is 'investing heavily to expand production' over two years.
- Dominic Surano, director of special projects at defence tech firm Nordic Air Defence, noted only a few companies manufacture these expensive engines without large government orders; Ukrainian engineers test the Hrim-17 pulsejet engine to reduce dependence on European suppliers including PBS, JetCat and Destinus, while Russia sources engines from China.
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Ukraine's attack drone fleet faces a mini jet engine supply crunch
Specialist mini jet engine makers across Europe are ramping up production and investment to head off a looming supply shortage that threatens to hold back Ukraine's rapid deep-strike drone programme at a critical stage of the war with Russia.
Russia has been facing increasing attacks by Ukrainian drones since the middle of last year. They are targeting both supply routes and Russian oil infrastructure. The Russians are unable to defend either. They also lack the Pantsir S1 air defense missiles, which are most commonly used against drones. In addition, the Russians have not yet been able to deal with the Ukrainians' new tactics in drone attacks.
At a critical stage of the Russo-Ukrainian war, manufacturers across Europe producing specialized micro-jet engines are facing supply shortages. This crisis threatens to slow Ukraine's rapidly developing "long-range strike drone" program, but it is also prompting more companies to join the production and research and development efforts.
Shortage of miniature jet engines could limit production of Ukrainian strike drones tsn.ua (news 1+1)
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