Ukrainian manufacturers are struggling with a critical shortage of turbojet engines needed to produce domestically developed jet-powered drones, according to Valery Borovik, founder of UAV manufacturer First Contact.

Borovik said the lack of suitable engines is forcing Ukrainian defense companies to look for alternative supply routes. Some units are being purchased through third countries, while in other cases manufacturers have to dismantle other technical products to obtain the required components.

He argued that Russia is in a more favorable position because domestic production of turbojet engines has already been established, while additional volumes are also being purchased from China.

Borovik said this gives Russia an advantage in securing the engines needed for jet-powered unmanned systems.

A similar problem was previously raised by Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Sergei Rakhmanin. He said shortages of essential components are preventing Ukraine from launching mass production of inexpensive jet-powered interceptor drones.

Those interceptors are intended for use against Russian Geran jet-powered UAVs, which have been actively used in strikes on Kiev in recent weeks.