Europe Turns to Ukrainian Defense Tech to Replace Chinese Components
Ukrainian drone engines are planned to be manufactured in Europe as an alternative to Chinese products, aiming to meet growing demand and localize production.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Militarnyi.
Motor-G, a leading Ukrainian manufacturer of electric motors for FPV drones, bombers, and fixed-wing UAVs, reported strong interest from European companies in localizing production of its engines. Ukrainian motors are considered a high-quality option, tested in real combat conditions, and a viable alternative to Chinese counterparts.
According to Motor-G CEO Oleksiy Grebin, the company is already working with several European drone manufacturers and discussing the establishment of joint ventures in European countries. Demand for the company’s products is increasing, with interest coming from drone manufacturers and component suppliers across Europe.
One key factor driving this interest is participation in the European SAFE investment program that provides loans to companies purchasing components produced in Europe or Ukraine, which is recognised as a partner of the initiative.
Motor-G reportedly already has a partnership with 100 Ukrainian manufacturers, securing even stronger Ukrainian capabilities.
“We are the largest manufacturer of drone motors in Ukraine. We are currently scaling up and aiming to capture approximately 20-30% of the market. That is our goal, and we are still on that path,” said the company's CEO.
Ukrainian electric motors have demonstrated high reliability and effectiveness in combat conditions, making them attractive to European companies seeking alternatives to Chinese products while strengthening production independence.
Notably, Ukrainian interceptor drone powered Motor-G engine has set a record speed of 400 km/h, exceeding that of Formula 1 cars. The achievement reflects Ukraine’s rapid defense-tech transformation, with engines adapted to real battlefield conditions now produced at scale.
The Ukrainian–Turkish UAV partnership highlights the strategic importance of Ukraine’s drone industry, which has evolved into a frontline-driven innovation hub where technologies are rapidly tested and adapted in real combat. When combined with Turkey’s industrial-scale production capabilities, Ukraine’s battlefield expertise positions it as a key driver in reshaping the global drone and arms market.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the global defence industry is entering the second phase of developing kamikaze drones and FPV drones, which became possible particularly thanks to Ukraine's experience.
Read also on The Gaze: Ukraine’s War-Driven Defense Innovation