A Ukrainian delegation held technical negotiations in the United States this week to advance a planned agreement for the purchase and co-production of Ukrainian-made drones, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported on Oct. 2.
The delegation included representatives from Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and the National Security and Defense Council. Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported on Sept. 29 that Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev led the delegation.
The talks focused on presenting Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems capabilities, discussing procurement terms, and exploring options for integrating Ukrainian drones into U.S. defense operations. Ukrainian officials reportedly showcased specific drone models, outlined performance data, and explained operational use cases for each system during meetings with Pentagon officials, members of Congress, and representatives from all branches of the U.S. military.
National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said the discussions reflected growing international interest in Ukraine’s combat-tested drone technology.
“Ukraine is now a global leader in drone technologies, and our experience generates significant interest among allies,” Umerov said. “This concerns not only aerial systems, but also naval drones and ground robotic complexes, in the development and use of which Ukraine has unique practical expertise.”
The discussions served as a preparatory step toward a broader agreement known as the “Drone Deal,” which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced. On Aug. 21, Zelenskyy said Ukraine proposed a $50 billion, five-year drone deal to the United States, with plans to produce 10 million drones annually.
Under the proposed agreement, the United States would purchase Ukrainian drones across a five-year framework and create options for joint production of several Ukrainian designs on U.S. soil or in allied facilities. The deal would include technical cooperation, integration of Ukrainian technologies into allied systems, and the potential to scale up production to meet evolving operational demands.
Delegation members also discussed U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine under the PURL mechanism, which finances the purchase of American weapons using funds provided by European partners. Umerov said Ukraine discussed its 2026 weapons supply plans with the U.S. and the potential to increase volumes.
