• Ukraine's defense industry wants to export its tech, especially drones, to allies, arguing it's vital for their economy and Europe.
  • The country's defense sector had around $2 billion in surplus production capacity last year.
  • Lifting the ban created risks of sabotage but could secure crucial investment.

An industry plea has been made to Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, to lift an export ban on homegrown defence tech, particularly drones, which manufacturers say could be vital to European allies.  

The letter [full version here] comes from Tech Force in UA, a coalition of the country's defence manufacturers, an industry which has exploded since the Russian invasion. The letter reads: 

"It is time to demonstrate that Ukraine is capable of being not only a party that receives international support, but also a full-fledged partner that exports security through cooperation, technology, and its own experience."

According to Georgetown University,  as of 2025, the industry comprises around 500 drone makers and around 100 government contractors, producing around 200,000 FPV drones monthly. Around 2.2 million were produced in 2024 alone. 

Surplus capacity

The problem is that purchasing capacity falls short of supply, creating a surplus. The shortage of government contracts means that last year, makers were only operating at around 37% of capacity, leaving 63% of unused that is estimated to be worth around $2 billion.   

The push to open up exports already has support from senior Ukrainian politicians,  the most recent being Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK, who has described the country—unable ot win through demography or economy—as being in a high-tech war or survival.

At a forum in Kyiv on Thursday (22 May), Zaluzhnyi was on record saying that export of security technologies is a key tactic for Ukraine's integration into a future alliance. He said:  

"Exports should primarily be seen as a source of resources for survival and potential development. Secondly, I would recommend viewing exports as a possible source of innovation."

Exports offer a solution but also a significant risk, opening the manufacturers to up to industrial espionage and possible sabotage. 

But the benefits would still outweigh the risk, not only giving allied countries access to new technologies developed on the frontline but also creating a much-needed source of investment for Ukraine. 

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