Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 24 July that the United States has agreed to purchase Ukrainian-made drones, with potential contracts worth $10-30 billion under discussion.
Ukraine has expanded its domestic drone production since the Russian invasion. The country planned to produce millions of drones annually, using a combination of mass production in factories and small-scale workshops, often repurposing commercial drone parts and innovating with battlefield experience.
Until recently, Ukraine had a ban on exporting drones abroad, focusing on domestic military use, but it is now considering or beginning to allow drone exports to its allies to support its drone industry and military partnerships.
"We have an agreement with America, with President Trump, that they will buy drones from us," Zelenskyy told journalists during a briefing. "I have set the task for Umerov, Shmyhal and Kamyshin. They will deal with this. It is very important to prepare this contract for 10-20-30 billion dollars."
The president has tasked National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, and presidential advisor on strategic issues Oleksandr Kamyshin with preparing the contracts.
Zelenskyy first disclosed American interest in Ukrainian drone technology on 16 July, when he revealed discussions with President Trump about bilateral defense procurement.
"There are many drones that only we have. We are discussing this with President Trump. I told him that I really want to buy things from you that only you have. He told me that America wants to buy Ukrainian drones," Zelenskyy said in an interview with Newsmax correspondent Shelby Wilder in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian leader framed the potential deal as part of broader defense cooperation, emphasizing Ukraine's need for American Patriot air defense systems.
"I really want America to help us protect our sky. This is very important," Zelenskyy said during the 16 July interview.
Ukraine urgently needs these systems to counter Moscow’s escalating long-range strikes. The US along with Germany has agreed to deliver five Patriot systems, with Germany, Norway, and other allies financing and facilitating the deliveries. The US has already sent three systems and is involved in ongoing discussions to provide up to 17 in total.
