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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]

What are the main trends driving the growth of the drone industry in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian drone industry is growing due to strong government support, international investment, technological innovations, and the urgent need for defense solutions. These trends drive rapid scaling of production, integration of AI systems, and expansion into global markets.

How is Ukraine increasing the production of interceptor drones for defense?

Ukraine has launched multiple programs and contracts with domestic manufacturers to scale the production of interceptor drones. The government provides funding, while international partners supply technology and expertise, allowing daily output to reach thousands of units.

What international partnerships are shaping the Ukrainian drone sector?

Key partnerships with the United States, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Spain, and Romania are helping Ukraine secure funding, technology transfer, and joint production facilities. These collaborations accelerate innovation and expand the global reach of Ukrainian drones.

How many FPV drones have been delivered to the Ukrainian military?

In 2025, more than one million FPV drones have been delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This record output supports frontline operations, providing critical tactical advantages against enemy forces and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.

What role does artificial intelligence play in modern UAV systems?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing UAV performance by improving targeting accuracy, autonomous navigation, and real-time data processing. AI-powered strike kits enhance operational efficiency, reduce human error, and make drones more versatile in complex missions.

Which Ukrainian companies are leading in drone innovation and export?

Companies such as Skyeton and Wild Hornets are at the forefront of drone innovation. They specialize in reconnaissance systems, high-speed interceptors, and international joint ventures, expanding Ukrainian drone technology into global defense and commercial markets.

How has the DOT-Chain platform improved drone procurement logistics?

The DOT-Chain platform streamlines supply management by automating procurement, ensuring faster delivery, and enhancing transparency. This system reduces delays and increases efficiency, enabling timely deployment of drones to critical operational zones.

What government incentives support the growth of the drone industry?

Ukraine has introduced tax breaks, customs benefits, and legal frameworks to support drone manufacturers. These incentives encourage private investment, boost production, and foster research and development in advanced unmanned aerial systems.

What are the economic benefits of developing the drone industry in Ukraine?

The drone industry generates high-tech jobs, attracts foreign investments, and drives innovation in AI, electronics, and logistics. It also strengthens Ukraine’s position in the global defense market, creating opportunities for export and international cooperation.

How is Ukraine preparing to meet future demands for drones worldwide?

By expanding production capacity, investing in R&D, and fostering global partnerships, Ukraine is positioning itself to supply millions of drones annually. These efforts aim to meet both defense and civilian demand in international markets.

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Latest news Drone industry

Pavlo Yelizarov Goal is to build anti-drone dome over Ukraine, Fedorov says on Yelizarov’s appointment Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has signed an order appointing Pavlo Yelizarov, known by the callsign "Lazar," as the new deputy commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 4 638 48 Previously in trend: Appointment in the Air Force Drone industry

drones Syrskyi: Russia intends to launch up to 1,000 drones over Ukraine every day Currently, Russia produces 404 "Shahed" drones of various types every day. The aggressor country plans to increase production so that by 2026 it will be able to launch up to 1,000 drones per day over Ukraine. 5 645 81 Previously in trend: Drone industry Shahed production in Russia

Ukraine and UK to produce thousands of Octopus interceptor drones monthly Ukraine and UK to launch joint monthly production of Octopus interceptor drones in February Starting in February, Ukraine and the United Kingdom will reach a monthly production of thousands of Octopus interceptor drones. 1 788 25 Previously in trend: Interceptor drones Drone industry

Armed Forces launch automated drone distribution system From warehouse to unit in day: Armed Forces of Ukraine move drone distribution to digital format The Armed Forces of Ukraine have launched a fully automated system for distributing UAVs among military units. Thanks to the digitalization of logistics, units will receive UAVs 2–3 times faster—on average, within one day from the moment a drone arrives at a warehouse. 1 956 8 Previously in trend: Drone industry Digitalization of the defense sector

UK seeks to adopt Ukraine’s experience to counter prison drone threats UK seeks to adopt Ukraine’s experience in countering drones The United Kingdom wants to adopt Ukraine’s experience to counter the threat of drones delivering weapons and drugs to British prisons. 672 7 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Fedorov Armed Forces of Ukraine plan to increase strike depth with Molniya-type drone analogues, Fedorov says In Ukraine, a decision has already been made to introduce new strike capabilities, including long-range drones, to intensify strikes on Russian troops. 2 223 21 Previously in trend: Drone industry

drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine Supreme Commander-in-Chief HQ has decided to increase effectiveness of "Line of Drones," Umerov says During the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting on January 13, participants decided to increase the effectiveness of the "Drone Line" and provide it with the necessary resources. 1 817 18 Previously in trend: Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting Drone industry

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy holds Supreme Commander-in-Chief HQ meeting: discusses interceptor drones, air defence missiles and PURL programme President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on Tuesday, January 13, where issues related to Ukraine’s defence were discussed. 1 339 30 Previously in trend: Interceptor drones Drone industry PURL program

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Ukraine boosts interceptor drone deliveries to 1,500 a day In December–January, Defense Forces received over 1,500 interceptor drones day, Defense Ministry says In December–January, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reached a high average rate of supplying interceptor drones to the Defense Forces — more than 1,500 units per day. 667 7 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Anti-aircraft drone attacks enemy UAV In one night, fighter from 1020th Anti-Aircraft Regiment with call sign Miguel destroyed 24 Shaheds with Ukrainian "STING" interceptors. VIDEO Ukrainian air defence has set a new record for intercepting enemy drones. In one night, a soldier from the 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery Regiment, codenamed "Miguel", destroyed 24 Russian Shahed kamikaze drones. 12 198 42 Previously in trend: Ukrainian Air defence Drone industry

Ukrainian UGV "Murakha" MoD says deliveries of f unmanned ground vehicles to AFU exceed 100% of order In 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense fully fulfilled the Armed Forces’ request for deliveries of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and delivery volumes even exceeded the planned targets. 799 2 Previously in trend: robotic ground complex Drone industry

USF shot down a modified Shahed with a MANPADS on board USF shot down Russian "Shahed" equipped with MANPADS. VIDEO+PHOTO Fighters from the Darknode battalion of the 412th Nemesis brigade intercepted a Russian "Shahed" equipped with a portable anti-aircraft missile system. 12 451 68 Previously in trend: Drone industry

MoD grants Defence City resident status to first company – Shmyhal 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. 1 932 11 Previously in trend: Ukrainian weapons production Drone industry

drones "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. 881 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

defence industrial complex Ukrainian-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. 1 010 16 Previously in trend: Ukrainian weapons production Drone industry

military–industrial complex 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). 20 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian defense industry Drone industry

defence industrial complex Cabinet of Ministers extends simplified import regime for defense and energy sector goods The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a resolution that ensures government decisions are brought into line with legislation to guarantee uninterrupted supplies of critically important goods. 12 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

The Baba Yaga bomber skilfully escaped from a Russian interceptor drone "Baba Yaga" operator skilfully avoids attack by a Russian interceptor drone. VIDEO A Ukrainian heavy UAV bomber managed to evade an enemy interceptor drone. 6 743 4 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Entrepreneur Tymofii Soloviov on the Protection programme Tymofii Soloviov’s story: how childhood passion turned into defense manufacturing. VIDEO At the age of 13, he began building his own aircraft and writing computer programs, and by 16 he became an individual entrepreneur. 7 088 10 Previously in trend: Development of drone production in Ukraine Drone operators Drone industry

destruction of a Russian drone Enemy upgrades strike drones for ultra-low-altitude attacks: AFU change the counter-drone system, Syrskyi says The enemy is upgrading its strike drones and changing the tactics of their use, attacking at ultra-low altitudes. Ukraine, in turn, is strengthening its countermeasures against Shahed drones and developing a system of interceptor UAVs. 983 8 Previously in trend: Result of the work of the air force Interceptor drones Drone industry

drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine From 2026, Armed Forces of Ukraine will buy drone components using general fund money Starting January 1, the state is expanding the financial options available to Armed Forces of Ukraine units for developing UAV systems: from 2026, drone components will be purchasable not only via the special fund but also from the general financing fund. 512 2 Previously in trend: Procurement of drones Drone industry

UB60D drone UB60D FPV drones supplied to various units for combat testing, Belbas says. PHOTO UB60D FPV drones, which the company has approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine this year, are being supplied in large numbers under state contracts and handed over to various units for combat testing. 2 081 1 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy holds Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting, discusses countering Shaheds and drone distribution system On Friday, December 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. A number of issues were discussed, including countering Russian Shahed strikes, Ukraine’s "Line of Drones," and Ukraine’s deep strikes. 991 21 Previously in trend: Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting Drone industry

flamingo rocket Cabinet of Ministers permits weapons procurement contracts for up to three years The Cabinet of Ministers has amended the defense procurement procedure for the period of martial law, allowing state customers to sign long-term contracts for weapons purchases using budget funds for up to three years. 7 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian weapons production Drone industry

Linza drone Ukraine and Germany expand production of "Linza" bomber drone – Defense Ministry Ukrainian company Frontline Robotics, together with Germany’s Quantum Systems, is expanding production of the "Linza" bomber drone under the Build with Ukraine initiative. 3 375 22 Previously in trend: Drone industry

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drones Zelenskyy signs laws expanding benefits for importing drone components President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed two laws amending the Tax Code and the Customs Code that expand the system of benefits for drone manufacturers. 19 0 Previously in trend: Development of drone production in Ukraine Drone industry

Ukraine to receive 3 million FPV drones by year-end, Shmyhal says Ukraine’s Armed Forces to receive 3 million FPV drones by year-end – Shmyhal This year, Ukraine’s Armed Forces will receive nearly 2.5 times more FPV drones than last year. 1 360 21 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Poland, drones Poland installs first counter-drone system elements on Belarus border Poland has installed the first elements of a counter-drone system on the border with Belarus. 630 4 Previously in trend: Drone industry Anti-drone protection Drone wall

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Ukraine and Portugal will cooperate in the production of marine drones Ukraine and Portugal to cooperate in maritime drone production, Zelenskyy says. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro signed a statement on a partnership for the production of maritime drones. 613 7 Previously in trend: Drone industry sea drones

US delegation tests Ukraine’s maritime drones – MoD US delegation tests maritime drones during Ukraine visit: Kyiv offers partnership A US delegation recently met with Ukrainian manufacturers and conducted the first official tests of Ukraine’s maritime drones. 2 255 17 Previously in trend: Marine drones of Ukraine Ukraine–US cooperation

Ukraine procures nearly 950 interceptor drones a day to counter Shaheds – MoD Nearly 950 interceptor drones day for Armed Forces: Defense Ministry boosts anti-Shahed defenses In December, the average supply rate of interceptor drones procured by the Ministry of Defense’s Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) to counter enemy Shahed-type UAVs stood at nearly 950 units per day. 1 567 11 Previously in trend: Interceptor drones Drone industry

Canada Canada to allocate another $50 million to support Ukraine through Drone Coalition Minister of National Defence David McGuinty said Canada will provide an additional $50 million for the "Drone Coalition". 200 1 Previously in trend: Drone industry

drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ukraine and Germany to jointly produce UAVs for Armed Forces of Ukraine, aiming for tens of thousands year Ukrainian-designed drones will be produced in Germany for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. German company Quantum Systems has set up a joint venture with Ukrainian drone manufacturer Frontline Robotics. 776 7 Previously in trend: Production of drones Drone industry

drones, UAVs Latvia allocates €5m for drones for Ukraine: Saeima backs fund reallocation Latvian Saeima MPs have backed reallocating five million euros for the purchase of UAVs to support Ukraine in 2025. 623 26 Previously in trend: Latvia’s aid to Ukraine Drone industry

Quazar 3M MoD codifies all Quazar 3M EW system variants by TAF Industries Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has codified eight modifications of the Quazar 3M electronic warfare (EW) system produced by TAF Industries. 8 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Ukraine’s MoD lets UAV schools train and certify UGV operators, instructors UAV pilot schools to train and certify UGV operators – Defense Ministry Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has expanded the powers of UAV pilot training schools and allowed them to train and certify operators of ground robotic systems (UGVs) as well as training instructors. 398 0 Previously in trend: robotic ground complex Drone industry

tanker SSU Sea Baby naval drones strike Russian shadow fleet tanker Dashan in Black Sea – sources. VIDEO On Wednesday, 10 December, Sea Baby naval drones operated by the SSU (Security Service of Ukraine) struck the Dashan oil tanker, part of Russia’s "shadow fleet", in the Black Sea. 9 346 85 Previously in trend: Russia’s shadow fleet Drone industry

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi At this stage of war, drones account for about 60% of all strikes on enemy targets – Syrskyi In November, Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems carried out over 304,000 missions, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) most 2,000. In total, drones struck or destroyed about 81,500 targets. 623 7 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Ukrainian Armor unveils Protector UGV with Tavria-12.7 module Ukrainian Armor presents combat version of Protector UGV: control range up to 400 km. VIDEO Ukrainian Armor has presented a combat version of the Protector unmanned ground vehicle fitted with a Tavria-12.7 module. 9 319 23 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Russia tries to copy Ukrainian naval drones, capabilities still unknown Russia is copying Ukrainian naval drones, their effectiveness is yet to be tested – Pletenchuk Russians are trying to copy Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USV). Their capabilities are currently unknown. 3 027 21 Previously in trend: Russia will produce naval drones Drone industry sea drones

Number of drones used by Ukraine and Russia is roughly the same – Syrskyi Ukraine and Russia use roughly same number of drones, but enemy has artillery advantage – Syrskyi Ukraine and Russia are deploying roughly the same number of drones on the battlefield. However, the aggressor state has a twofold advantage in artillery ammunition. 1 462 17 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Grant programme for Ukrainian component manufacturers Brave1 launches new grant programme for Ukrainian component manufacturers The Brave1 defence technology cluster is launching a new grant programme for Ukrainian component manufacturers. Under the programme, developers will be able to receive up to UAH 8 million to accelerate R&D and increase the technological readiness of their solutions. 26 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

DOT-Chain Defence: extra UAH 2.1 billion for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine Funding for DOT-Chain Defence increased: military receives extra UAH 2.1 billion for drones and equipment – Defence Ministry The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has allocated an additional UAH 2.1 billion to enable brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to order drones and other equipment via DOT-Chain Defence. 399 5 Previously in trend: defense procurement Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence

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