F10 drones from Ukrainian manufacturer F-Drones first to receive approval for export to United States

On July 1, the State Service for Export Control of Ukraine (SSECU) issued a permit to export a batch of F10 strike unmanned aerial systems manufactured by F-Drones for the US Armed Forces. It was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

“We are pleased that Ukraine is opening up opportunities for drone exports. This is a strategically important step for the entire defense industry. Export is a tool for scaling up production, attracting investment, developing technologies, raising quality standards, and strengthening international cooperation. This does not mean ‘less for the front lines.’ On the contrary, a stronger industry means stronger Armed Forces. Exports today mean a stronger Ukrainian military tomorrow,” said Stas Khutor, CEO of F-Drones.

According to a representative of the manufacturer, the authorization was granted based on a decision by the Interdepartmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control.

“This is the first known instance in which Ukraine has officially authorized the export of ready-to-use combat unmanned aerial systems for the US. military. At the same time, this is the first time the state has granted permission specifically for the export of ready-to-use Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial systems, rather than individual technologies, parts, or components,” the company’s statement reads.

As noted, the authorization paves the way for fulfilling contractual obligations under the US Department of Defense’s Drone Dominance Program.

It is reported that in February, the American company UDD Tech Corp, which represents F-Drones products in the US, participated in the first phase of the program—Gauntlet I—held at Fort Benning (Georgia). There, the F10 system ranked sixth among 25 participants, was among the 11 winners, and received a contract to supply 2,000 drones to the US Department of Defense. The company was also selected for the next phase of the program.

The permit was issued even before the new decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine regarding the simplification of exports of military-use products under martial law took effect.