Ukraine signs preliminary deal to export up to 600 drones to the US

Published Jul 22, 12:10 PM UTC

Ukraine and the United States have signed a preliminary agreement allowing the export of Ukrainian drones to the US, marking a historic shift in bilateral defense cooperation. Six Ukrainian companies will each sell approximately 100 UAVs, totaling up to 600 drones. The agreement is part of the Pentagon's 'Drone Dominance' program, which plans to spend one billion dollars between 2026 and 2027 on small combat UAVs and domestic production. This deal transforms Ukraine from a recipient of military aid into an exporter and supplier. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also announced a broader 'Drone Deals' cooperation program for selling drone types and transferring technologies, with agreements signed with several countries. Ukraine has additionally sent equipment and drone warfare 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, indicating expanding European cooperation.