MoD grants Defence City first resident status to Vampire drone manufacturer
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has granted Defence City resident status to the first company. It is one of the largest high-tech manufacturers, including Vampire and Shrike drones, as well as Shahed-interceptor drones. All of these drones have demonstrated high effectiveness on the battlefield."We have two strategies for next year": Ukrainian drone makers share their plans for 2026
Neither manufacturers nor the military are prepared to look far ahead for now. After all, 2025 is ending with a great deal of uncertainty, including due to the negotiation track on ending the war. Drone IndustryWar of drones and war of budgets: Who will win in 2026?
The rapid development of unmanned technologies in Ukraine has reshaped the logic of funding and procurement so that the innovative solutions the country needs in wartime reach the battlefield as quickly as possible. Drone IndustryUkrainian-made weapons dominate at the front: 76% of procurement is from domestic manufacturers — Shmyhal
In 2025, 76% of all weapons centrally procured by the state came from Ukrainian manufacturers.NBU eases foreign exchange restrictions for Defense City residents
From December 31, 2025, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is easing a number of foreign exchange restrictions as part of implementing the legislation on the "Defense City" legal regime, aimed at supporting the defense-industrial complex (DIC). The drone industry in Ukraine is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by innovation, global cooperation, and strategic investments. In 2025, drones have become a critical component of both defense and civilian sectors, enabling Ukraine to secure its skies, enhance reconnaissance, and lead technological advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The government and private manufacturers are scaling up the production of combat, reconnaissance, FPV, and interceptor drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with international partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Spain, and Romania, is driving large-scale agreements to boost drone production capacities. These efforts are supported by strategic deals worth billions, ensuring that Ukraine meets its defense needs while positioning itself as a global leader in drone technologies.
Key achievements of 2025 include the delivery of over one million FPV drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, contracts for high-speed interceptor drones capable of exceeding 300 km/h, and the launch of joint ventures with foreign partners for AI-powered strike systems and fiber-optic-controlled UAVs. The innovative DOT-Chain logistics and procurement platform has streamlined supply chains, ensuring rapid and efficient deployment of drones to the frontlines.
Beyond the battlefield, the drone industry also fuels economic growth and technological research. Ukrainian companies like Skyeton and Wild Hornets are expanding internationally, opening facilities in the UK and developing advanced interceptor systems. Legislative reforms, including tax and customs incentives for drone manufacturers, further stimulate the sector’s rapid growth.
As the industry matures, the integration of artificial intelligence, electronic warfare solutions, and advanced navigation systems is setting new standards in UAV capabilities. This technological edge, combined with international collaboration, solidifies Ukraine’s status as a hub for innovation in the global drone market.
Stay updated on the latest trends, agreements, and breakthroughs shaping the drone industry, from mass production of military UAVs to civilian applications that redefine logistics, agriculture, and emergency response. The future of unmanned technologies in Ukraine is here, built on resilience, innovation, and global partnerships.
Head of the “Drone Industry” project at Censor.NET Vladyslav Nedashkivskyi.
Contact email: [email protected]
The government and private manufacturers are scaling up the production of combat, reconnaissance, FPV, and interceptor drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with international partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Spain, and Romania, is driving large-scale agreements to boost drone production capacities. These efforts are supported by strategic deals worth billions, ensuring that Ukraine meets its defense needs while positioning itself as a global leader in drone technologies.
Key achievements of 2025 include the delivery of over one million FPV drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, contracts for high-speed interceptor drones capable of exceeding 300 km/h, and the launch of joint ventures with foreign partners for AI-powered strike systems and fiber-optic-controlled UAVs. The innovative DOT-Chain logistics and procurement platform has streamlined supply chains, ensuring rapid and efficient deployment of drones to the frontlines.
Beyond the battlefield, the drone industry also fuels economic growth and technological research. Ukrainian companies like Skyeton and Wild Hornets are expanding internationally, opening facilities in the UK and developing advanced interceptor systems. Legislative reforms, including tax and customs incentives for drone manufacturers, further stimulate the sector’s rapid growth.
As the industry matures, the integration of artificial intelligence, electronic warfare solutions, and advanced navigation systems is setting new standards in UAV capabilities. This technological edge, combined with international collaboration, solidifies Ukraine’s status as a hub for innovation in the global drone market.
Stay updated on the latest trends, agreements, and breakthroughs shaping the drone industry, from mass production of military UAVs to civilian applications that redefine logistics, agriculture, and emergency response. The future of unmanned technologies in Ukraine is here, built on resilience, innovation, and global partnerships.
Head of the “Drone Industry” project at Censor.NET Vladyslav Nedashkivskyi.
Contact email: [email protected]