Ukraine Signs Drone Deals with 7 NATO Countries, Exports Combat Drones to US for First Time
Ukraine is shifting from a recipient of military aid to a provider of drone technology and expertise, aiming to finalize defense agreements with at least seven NATO countries by the end of the year.
Ukraine has already signed “drone deals” with six nations, including NATO members Latvia and Lithuania, as well as three Middle Eastern states that sought Ukrainian support after being attacked by Iranian Shahed drones [189907]. Under these agreements, Ukraine offers its knowledge in developing radar systems and ground stations, marking a new role for Kyiv in global security while it continues to receive military hardware [189907].
In a separate milestone, Ukraine completed its first-ever export of finished combat drones, sending the initial batch to the Pentagon [188835]. The shipment signals growing confidence in Ukraine’s domestic drone production, after Kyiv barred exports for most of the war to preserve its own defensive capabilities [188835].
Ukraine’s military has also used cheap interceptor drones to shoot down Russian Shahed attack drones over the city of Odesa, developing techniques that have drawn interest from military forces in the Persian Gulf [188805]. Ukrainian soldiers test gear and send feedback directly to manufacturers, with companies pushing out fixes within days or weeks, a speed NATO officials say Western militaries must copy [189209]. Ukrainian drone maker Frontline Robotics makes up to 20 changes to its products each month, with updates reaching soldiers within a week [189209].
The drone offensive has extended to deep strikes inside Russia. Ukraine’s military says it has knocked out 42% of Russia’s refining capacity since August 2025, inflicting $13.5 billion in total damage and pushing fuel rationing into Moscow [189845].