U.S. and Ukraine Draft Memorandum for Joint Drone Production Agreement
The United States and Ukraine have drafted a memorandum outlining a potential defense agreement to jointly manufacture drones and export military technology.
The United States and Ukraine have drafted a memorandum outlining the framework for a potential defense agreement aimed at deepening military-industrial cooperation between the two nations. This draft, developed by the U.S. State Department and Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Olha Stefanishyna, marks an initial step toward a partnership that could enable Ukraine to export military technology to the U.S. and establish joint ventures with American companies for drone manufacturing.
Ukrainian officials have indicated that such collaboration would be mutually beneficial, with U.S. financing expected to help both countries expand their defense production capacities. Ukraine's National Security Council projects the country's defense production capacity could reach $55 billion in 2026, highlighting the potential scale of this cooperation.
This development follows Ukraine's recent defense agreements with countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that nearly 20 countries are currently involved at various stages of similar agreements, with four already signed and initial contracts being prepared.
The proposed U.S.-Ukraine drone collaboration builds upon Ukraine's experience in countering Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which have been used by Russia in attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian drone interceptors and pilots have been deployed to the Middle East to assist U.S. allies in defending against similar threats.
In August 2025, Ukrainian officials proposed cooperation on drone technology to the White House following the success of Operation Spiderweb, a Ukrainian drone attack that targeted Russian military assets. Despite initial interest, the proposal faced political challenges, with some U.S. officials expressing reservations about the deal.
President Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of protecting Ukrainian companies' intellectual property and ensuring sufficient supplies for national defense amid ongoing conflict. However, the drafting of this memorandum suggests progress toward overcoming these obstacles and advancing U.S.-Ukraine defense cooperation.
