The United States currently lags significantly behind Ukraine in the production of combat drones and is only beginning to develop its own industry. Compared to the scale of Ukraine’s defense industry, US figures remain at an early stage. It was reported by Reuters.
Travis Metz, deputy director and chief operating officer of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, noted that US UAV production volumes account for only a small fraction of Ukraine’s. According to his estimates, Ukraine will produce between six and seven million small FPV strike drones this year, which amounts to approximately 500,000 units per month. By comparison, under the US “Drone Dominance” program, worth USD 1.1 billion, fewer than 200,000 drones are expected to be ordered by February.
To build up its own capabilities, the Pentagon has tightened requirements for manufacturers. The main goal is to create a local supply chain and completely phase out prohibited components, particularly Chinese motors, batteries, and semiconductors. Despite the current gap, the US expects to eventually catch up with Ukraine’s performance.
At the same time, Ukrainian companies are actively entering the US market. Six Ukrainian manufacturers are preparing for testing in Colorado, opening local production facilities in the US, or establishing joint ventures.
In addition, a bilateral agreement between the two countries is being prepared, which provides for technology exchange and the development of joint drone production.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Ukraine and the US have signed a bilateral declaration of intent that allows for the export of Ukrainian combat drones to the United States. The drones will be sent for military testing and evaluation.
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