Ukraine Outpaces NATO Allies Combined in Drone Production
Ukraine has rapidly transformed from a battlefield innovator into a global leader in combat drone production.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Bloomberg.
Just three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s drone industry has achieved a stunning scale. The country now produces around 4 million drones annually, ranging from compact FPV kamikaze units to long-range strike systems – a figure 40 times higher than U.S. output, which hovers near 100,000 per year.
Analysts attribute this explosive growth to Ukraine’s unique combination of combat-tested innovation, decentralized production, and rapid adaptation.
Facing constant demand from the frontlines and growing international interest, Ukrainian firms have developed a model of mass production that prioritizes flexibility over bureaucracy.
Ukrainian manufacturers are increasingly setting up bases across Europe. Skyeton recently opened a production facility in Slovakia, securing over €10 million in investment.
FlyWell is partnering with Finland’s Summa Defence, while Fire Point, developer of the Flamingo cruise missile system, has received Danish backing to advance rocket fuel production.
Relocating some operations abroad gives Ukrainian firms access to EU capital and supply chains, while maintaining a strategic technological core at home. It also strengthens resilience against potential Russian attacks on domestic factories.
Ukrainian drones, known for their low cost, ease of maintenance, and battlefield reliability, are drawing increasing attention from NATO and EU states.
The Ukrainian government is now preparing to expand arms exports by establishing defense trade offices in Berlin and Copenhagen, aiming to integrate its drone technologies into Europe’s evolving defense architecture.
Experts suggest that a robust drone export industry could become a stable financial pillar for Ukraine, channeling revenue into research and next-generation weapons development.
Meanwhile, discussions in Brussels about permanent defense financing mechanisms may accelerate integration with Ukrainian manufacturers, effectively positioning the country as Europe’s forward defense lab.
As The Gaze previously reported, Ukraine is extending its defense industry footprint beyond Europe, with new representative offices set to open in Europe, the United States and across the Global South.
Read more on The Gaze: Ukraine’s Government Action Program 2025–2026: Building a Resilient State Through Defense, Reforms, and European Integration