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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

Romania Romania plans joint drone production with Ukraine under EU defense program – Reuters Romania is holding talks with Ukraine on joint drone production under the EU’s SAFE initiative, which provides funding for defense projects. 338 1 Previously in trend: Romania’s aid to Ukraine Drone industry

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Hungary Hungary joins EU talks on creating "drone wall" Hungary joins videoconference on EU eastern border "drone wall" project 547 3 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

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NAUDI Executive Director Serhii Honcharov Artificial limits on arms exports harm Ukrainian producers, army and economy – Honcharov The urgent resumption of regulated arms exports is a key task to support Ukraine’s defense industry. 937 12 Previously in trend: Drone industry Ukrainian arms exports

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DOT-Chain Defense Military units can now order fixed-wing drones via DOT-Chain Defence – Shmyhal  Fixed-wing drones are now available on the DOT-Chain Defence marketplace and can already be ordered by military units. 535 4 Previously in trend: Drone industry DOT-Chain Defence

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy: Tens of thousands have learned to kill professionally with drones due to Russia’s war Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his speech at the UN General Assembly’s general debate, stressed the sweeping changes brought about by Russia’s war against Ukraine. 1 367 14 Previously in trend: Drone industry

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine has drones that can fly 2,000–3,000 kilometres – Zelenskyy President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the production of drones that help repel Russian attacks and about arms exports. 2 316 40 Previously in trend: Production of weapons Drone industry

Slovakia Slovakia invited to EU meeting on "Drone Wall," Hungary left out – European Commission Slovakia will take part in the EU meeting on establishing a "Drone Wall" along the Union’s eastern border, while Hungary will not be represented. 1 099 5 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

Kubilius EU plans to create "Drone Wall" within year, but full defence network will take longer – Kubilius The European Union may be able to deploy a basic drone detection system within a year, but a full-scale defence network on land and at sea will take longer. 371 2 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

Zaluzhnyi outlines drones’ role in Russia’s war against Ukraine Today drones cause nearly 80% of battlefield losses, countermeasures needed – Zaluzhnyi Former commander-in-chief and ambassador to the United Kingdom Valerii Zaluzhnyi stressed the importance of finding a reliable tool to deter the enemy’s drones. 2 387 29 Previously in trend: Drone industry

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President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini Slovakia wants to join "Drone Wall" – President Pellegrini Slovakia will do everything necessary to join the "Drone Wall" project — an initiative aimed at strengthening the EU’s eastern border against potential Russian UAV attacks. 2 844 28 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

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Budrys urges EU to tap Ukraine’s drone expertise for a drone wall Ukraine must be part of EU plans to build "drone wall" – Budrys Technology and combat experience in the field of drones have enabled Ukraine to play an active role in building a defensive system along the eastern borders of the European Union. 568 5 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

Shmyhal meets with U.S. lawmakers: key points of discussion Shmyhal discusses PURL aid mechanism and drone deal with U.S. congressional delegation. PHOTO Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation. The talks included preparations for the signing of an agreement between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States on drone production and sales. 643 5 Previously in trend: Ukraine-US relations Drone industry

Vadym Yunyk, co-founder of FRDM, president of Tech Force in UA Sixty percent of drone manufacturers’ capacity is underutilized due to lack of government orders – Tech Force in UA president Lifting the ban on the export of Ukrainian arms will not affect deliveries of drones to the military, as manufacturers’ capacities are currently underutilized. 26 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Poland expects close cooperation with Ukraine on UAV production and countering UAVs – Tusk Ukraine is a global leader in drone production. Poland is looking forward to close cooperation with Kyiv in manufacturing and countering UAVs. 1 172 13 Previously in trend: Drone industry

DEVIRO presents upgraded Bulava drone system at Brave1 Tech Valley DEVIRO’s "Bulava" becomes even deadlier: what has changed and is there limit to drone development Drone manufacturer DEVIRO has unveiled an upgraded version of its reconnaissance and strike system "Bulava" at the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 event in Lviv. 67 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

dynamics,norda,drones Ukrainian developer of drone autonomy systems raises $1 million investment Ukrainian defense-tech company Norda Dynamics has raised $1 million in investment. 55 0 Previously in trend: investments Drone industry

Government redirects remaining funds to drone project "Army of Drones Bonus" Government allocates additional UAH 2 billion to "Army of Drones Bonus" project The Cabinet of Ministers at today’s meeting approved the Ministry of Defence’s proposal to reallocate remaining funds from the Ministry of Strategic Industries to boost financing for the "Army of Drones Bonus" project. 393 3 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Russia has converted the Molniya UAV into a mothership drone. What is known? Russians have converted "Molniya" attack UAV into mothership drone, - serviceman. PHOTOS The Russian military has converted the Molniya kamikaze drone into a mothership drone capable of carrying other FPV UAVs. 3 418 5 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Zelenskyy Ukraine already has initial offers for partners on arms exports – Zelenskyy Ukraine already has its first offers for partners regarding the export of its modern weapons, including naval drones. 2 968 43 Previously in trend: Drone industry Ukrainian arms exports

Zelenskyy on strikes on Russian refineries Ukraine is increasing use of long-range drones against Russian oil refineries and military facilities, - Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that effective strikes on oil refineries in Russia were made possible by the growth of Ukrainian drone production. 1 629 24 Previously in trend: UAV attack on oil refinery of Russia Drone industry

Drone wall EU ministers to meet on September 26 to discuss creation of ’Drone Wall’; Ukraine may be invited to join the discussion – media Next Friday, September 26, EU ministers plan to meet to discuss the "drone wall" project. A representative of the Ukrainian government may also be invited to the talks. 594 6 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

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Interceptor drones: Sternenko details effectiveness Interceptor drones supplied to Ukraine’s Armed Forces have already downed 444 Russian Shaheds and Gerberas – Sternenko  Ukrainian interceptor drones proved effective in repelling a swarm of Russian Shaheds. The country needs to scale drone-based air defense as quickly as possible. 1 918 27 Previously in trend: Shooting down Shaheds Interceptor drones Drone industry

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Drone Wall to protect both Europe and Ukraine Drone Wall to protect both EU and Ukraine – European Commission The "Drone Wall" project will protect EU member states in the east as well as Ukraine. 1 102 5 Previously in trend: Drone industry Drone wall

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Why Ukrainian arms manufacturers are moving production abroad Lack of clear export model is pushing Ukrainian arms producers to move operations abroad – ESC The current arms-export control model precludes Ukraine’s strategic cooperation with international partners, hampers the development of its defense industry, and pushes Ukrainian companies to consider relocating production abroad. 72 0 Previously in trend: Drone industry

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Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal Ukraine ready to share its experience with Poland in building "drone line" – Shmyhal Ukraine is ready to share its experience in building a "drone line" and will grant Poland access to systems that track unmanned aerial vehicles approaching its territory. 554 8 Previously in trend: Poland and Ukraine relationship Drone industry

Volgograd, oil refinery Ukrainian drones strike Volgograd oil refinery and Gazprom’s plant in Bashkortostan Units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (SOF) struck the Volgograd Oil Refinery ("LukOil-Volgogradneftepererabotka") in Russia overnight on 18 September. 94 0 Previously in trend: UAV attack on oil refinery of Russia Drone industry

Shmyhal Ukraine will be able to deploy up to 1,000 interceptor drones per day, - Shmyhal Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal has stated that in the near future, the country will be able to deploy at least 1,000 interceptor drones per day to intercept Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. 1 632 31 Previously in trend: Drone industry

shmyhal Ukraine and Poland establish combined drone group, - Shmyhal Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz have agreed to establish a combined task force on unmanned aerial systems, which will include representatives of both armed forces. 908 13 Previously in trend: Drone industry

Poland and Ukraine to cooperate in the field of drones Poland and Ukraine to sign agreement on cooperation in field of drones, - Kosiniak-Kamysz Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Warsaw would cooperate with Kyiv, in particular, in the field of acquiring UAV operation skills. 880 6 Previously in trend: Drone industry

The result of the work of interceptor drones in the Kyiv region EU to use Ukrainian technologies to build "drone wall" on its border – FT The EU is preparing to spend billions on a "drone wall" along its eastern border after recent Russian airspace violations in Poland and Romania, building on technologies tested by Ukraine. 69 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian Air defence Drone industry

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Radosław Sikorski Ukrainian operators will teach Poles how to shoot down drones, - Sikorski Polish military personnel will be trained by Ukrainian drone operators to counter Russian drones. The training will take place in Poland. 2 307 48 Previously in trend: Drone industry

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