Ukraine Set to Export Drones to US Under Major Defense Deal

Ukraine is preparing to begin exporting drones to the US under a landmark defense cooperation agreement with Washington, according to a newly released government policy program submitted to the Ukrainian parliament.

The document, outlining Ukraine's strategic goals for 2025-2026, sets a clear timeline, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

The statement said that by June 30, 2026, it is necessary to begin implementing the agreement with the US for the production and sale of unmanned systems.

The plan reflects Ukraine’s growing ambitions in the global defense market and includes the creation of joint ventures with major European arms manufacturers, such as Rheinmetall (Germany), BAE Systems (UK), Thales (France), KNDS (France-Germany), and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway).

The move follows reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently proposed a sweeping $50 billion drone manufacturing partnership during a visit to Washington. The proposed program would see the production of up to 10 million drones annually over five years, with a portion of manufacturing taking place on US soil.

According to the report, Zelenskyy personally presented the initiative to US President Donald Trump in Washington earlier this month. However, while talks are ongoing, no formal agreement has been signed yet.

If realized, the deal would represent a significant leap in Ukraine’s defense-industrial strategy, transforming the country into a key player in global drone manufacturing-leveraging its wartime innovation and experience.

It would also further solidify Ukraine’s strategic alignment with Western defense industries, amid the ongoing conflict with Russia and a broader shift toward strengthening NATO-aligned military cooperation.