Kyiv to Establish Advanced UAV Manufacturing Facility in U.S. Utilizing Ukrainian Technology

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans for the establishment of a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing facility in the United States, which will leverage advanced Ukrainian drone technology. This initiative is part of an existing UAV cooperation agreement between Kyiv and Washington.

In an interview published on Friday, July 24, Zelenskyy informed American blogger Laura Loomer that Ukraine aims to swiftly expand the initial UAV accord with the U.S. The President underscored the continuous evolution of drone capabilities, noting that domestically developed Ukrainian UAVs now possess an operational range exceeding 3,000 kilometers, with further range enhancements anticipated in the future.

Ukraine has demonstrated significant advancements in UAV technologies over four years of conflict against Russia, utilizing these capabilities in asymmetric warfare. The nation has also shared some of these technological gains with its allies. Zelenskyy described the collaboration as a “win-win” scenario for both nations, stating, “This is important technology. This is what we possess. America also has fantastic technology. Our UAV agreement is a win-win for both sides… We will establish a magnificent factory in the United States. We aim to have our production lines there.”

According to a source familiar with the discussions in Washington, details of the agreement were reportedly still being ironed out ahead of Zelenskyy’s then-scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, July 28. Separately, Reuters, citing a source in Kyiv, reported that Ukraine had agreed to export drones to the U.S. to participate in the Pentagon’s “Drone Dominance” program. This source, speaking anonymously, indicated that six Ukrainian companies were authorized to export approximately 100 UAVs each. Other Ukrainian media outlets have reported that both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), laying the groundwork for a joint production partnership.