Ukraine signs preliminary deal to export drones to the US

Published Jul 22, 12:10 PM UTC

Ukraine and the United States have signed a preliminary agreement allowing Ukrainian drone exports to the US, marking a historic shift in bilateral defense cooperation. Six Ukrainian companies will each sell approximately 100 UAVs, with potential future production on US soil. The drones will be integrated into the Pentagon's 'Drone Dominance' program, which plans to spend $1 billion between 2026-2027 on small combat UAVs. Ukraine is also expanding drone cooperation globally, including a 'Drone Deals' program announced by President Zelenskyy, technology transfers to several countries, and sending equipment and specialists to Middle Eastern allies facing Iranian strikes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed joint UAV production with Ukraine's new Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi.