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🇫🇷 France /Technology

‘A Matter of National Security’: Honduras Considers Buying Drones from Ukraine

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Honduras is considering purchasing drones from Ukraine to enhance national security, particularly against drug trafficking and gang violence.
  • President Nasry Asfura met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who offered cooperation in military technology, especially drones.
  • Ukraine's expertise in drone technology could bolster Honduras's efforts in border security and potentially aid in agricultural applications.

Honduran President Nasry Asfura revealed on Monday that his government is contemplating the acquisition of drones from Ukraine. The move is driven by a desire to bolster national security, specifically in combating the pervasive issues of gang violence and drug trafficking that plague the Central American nation.

With the technology it possesses, Ukraine can greatly help us to further secure our borders and the fight against drug trafficking. It is a matter of national security.

— Nasry AsfuraPresident of Honduras explaining the rationale behind considering Ukrainian drones.

Asfura's consideration comes after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. During their discussion, Zelensky reportedly proposed cooperation in military technology, with a particular emphasis on drone supply. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's advanced capabilities in this sector, suggesting it could be a significant asset for Honduras.

"With the technology it possesses, Ukraine can greatly help us to further secure our borders and the fight against drug trafficking. It is a matter of national security," Asfura stated during the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Panama. He also noted that Ukrainian drones might find applications beyond security, potentially assisting in the agricultural sector.

In terms of security today, in military technologies and those related to drones, Ukraine is one of the strongest countries in the world. And I know that this interests you.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyUkrainian President highlighting Ukraine's expertise in drone technology.

Honduras has been grappling with high levels of violence linked to drug trafficking organizations and powerful gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18. The country's homicide rate remains alarmingly high, significantly exceeding the global average. The potential acquisition of Ukrainian drones represents a strategic effort by the Honduran government to leverage advanced technology in its ongoing struggle to maintain order and protect its citizens.

Ukrainian drones could also be used in agriculture.

— Nasry AsfuraPresident of Honduras suggesting potential non-security applications for the drones.
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Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.