Ukraine has emerged as a significant player in the drone industry, not only meeting frontline needs but also expanding its presence in international markets. The country produces about four million UAVs annually, as reported by Bloomberg.
Among these drones are affordable FPVs as well as high-range strike models. In the U.S., around 100,000 military drones are manufactured each year.
"It’s not just the quantity but also the diversity. Probably more than all NATO countries combined," noted RAND analyst Michael Bonert.
Some Ukrainian manufacturers have already entered the EU market. For instance, Skyeton has opened an office in Slovakia and established partnerships with Denmark and the UK, producing reconnaissance UAVs capable of flying for up to 24 hours.
Another domestic firm, TSIR, is preparing to launch a drone production line in Finland, aiming to supply NATO.
Funding plays a critical role; the FlyWell consortium, which brings together several Ukrainian drone manufacturers, is looking to secure around $50 million to finance additional European manufacturing and research projects, including the development of hydrogen power cells for UAVs. Relocating production to Europe will create a secure environment, keeping them out of reach from Russia.
European companies are also developing new solutions. Finnish firm Summa Defence is self-funding its production and has already created prototypes of three models ready for mass production following tests in Ukraine. Some of the output will be sent to NATO countries, but Ukraine remains the priority.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of mass production for a new model of drones that will serve as an alternative to Chinese Mavic drones. Although details about these drones have yet to be revealed, the alternative has been found.